We cannot downplay the importance of land in any human endeavour. Various countries have set up various legal regimes to govern the acquisition and use of land and Ghana is not an exception. It is safe to say that Ghana’s laws on land have evolved over the years through our common experiences. These common experiences have found expression in our representatives who have put together the current principal legislation to govern land in Ghana known as the LAND ACT, 2020 (ACT 1036). For purposes of easy reference, I shall refer to this law as “ the Act ” or “ Act 1036 ” as we go on. The Act has put in place several measures to make land acquisition and use easy, safe and legitimate for all. In this article, I will touch on a few sections that I believe will relate to everyday transactions in relation to land purchase and use. TYPES OF INTERESTS IN LAND When you buy land, what do you get? Do you get the right to own it forever? Does the right to own land allow you to do anything you wish o...

  Proposed Tax Measures from the 2023 Budget Statement and responses from Dr. Ali-Nakyea   The finance minister of the Republic of Ghana presented the budget statement to parliament on the 24/11/2023.   Below is the list of tax measures in the fiscal policy for 2023.   1. Introduction of withholding taxes on winnings from betting   Response: A good revenue mobilisation measure. Requires monitoring to ensure compliance.   2. Reintroduction of road tolls .   Response: Good, as the tolls should not have been abolished in the first instance. Automation will help in boosting revenue mobilization.   3. 2.5 % increase in VAT to 15% (with the decoupled system in place, the effective rate will be 21.9%)   Response: This is not a good policy as it will lead to increased costs and ultimately increasing inflation as prices of goods and services may be adjusted accordingly by taxpayers.   The best way would have b...