🇬🇭 Deed of Gift in Ghana — Nyarko vs Tetteh (2019)

In this case, a testator purportedly gifted part of land (shops and rooms) to one defendant (his daughter) via a Deed of Gift executed in 1999. Another defendant (her brother) claimed the entire property under another document. The case involved questions about whether the Deed of Gift was genuine, whether the land was indeed the same as described in the deed versus possession, and whether the act of gift was valid.

A Deed of Gift must clearly describe which land or assets are being gifted—ambiguities lead to disputes.

Possession vs legal documentation matters: even if someone has physical possession of part, the deed’s wording and legal registration are critical.

Gifts to family can lead to rivalry if documentation is weak. Always use formal deeds, properly witnessed, dated, and registered if required under local laws.

Keeping full documentation (the deed itself, title certificates, etc.) reduces the risk of the gift being challenged.