A plain-language, step-by-step guide to the permit process in Greater Accra — which documents you need, which office to visit, how long it takes, and what it costs. Last updated June 2026.
Ghana's National Building Regulations (L.I. 1630) require a permit before any construction begins. Here is the full process, from preparation to approval.
The district assembly will not accept building drawings prepared by an unlicensed person. You need a Ghana Institution of Architects (GhIA) registered architect to prepare your architectural drawings. These must include floor plans, elevations, sections, and a site plan showing the building's position on the plot.
A certified site plan is required to show the dimensions and boundaries of your plot. If you don't already have one, it is obtained from the Lands Commission, Accra (located at Cantonments). Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks and costs a prescribed fee based on plot size.
Before going to the assembly, have all of the following ready. Incomplete applications are a leading cause of delays.
Applications are submitted to the Physical Planning Department of whichever assembly has jurisdiction over your plot. In Greater Accra, this is usually one of the following:
After submission, the Physical Planning Department will send officers to inspect your site. They verify that the proposed building matches the drawings submitted and that the land use is consistent with zoning (residential, commercial, etc.). This inspection is what triggers the longest waiting period in most cases.
Once approved, you will be notified to pay the prescribed permit fee. Fees are calculated based on gross floor area and use type. After payment, the permit is issued — collect the original and keep it on-site throughout construction, as inspectors may ask to see it.
Permit fees are set by each assembly and reviewed periodically. The figures below are approximate ranges based on June 2026 rates — confirm the current fee schedule with your specific assembly before budgeting.
| Building Type | Floor Area | Approximate Permit Fee | Typical Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 Bedroom Bungalow | 40–60 m² | GHS 800 – 1,200 | 6–10 weeks |
| 3 Bedroom Bungalow | 80–120 m² | GHS 1,200 – 1,800 | 6–12 weeks |
| 4–5 Bedroom House | 140–200 m² | GHS 1,800 – 2,800 | 8–14 weeks |
| Small Commercial Building | Up to 300 m² | GHS 3,000 – 6,000 | 10–16 weeks |
| Multi-storey / Apartment Block | 300 m²+ | Assessed individually | 12–20 weeks |
* Fees do not include architect fees, structural engineer fees, or Lands Commission site plan costs. Budget separately for those.
Most permit delays are caused by the same avoidable issues. Knowing them in advance can cut weeks off your wait.
Yes. Under the Local Governance Act 2016 (Act 936) and the National Building Regulations, all new construction in Ghana requires a permit from the relevant district or metropolitan assembly before work begins. Building without a permit exposes you to demolition orders and fines.
Officially the Accra Metropolitan Assembly targets a 20-working-day turnaround. In practice most applicants experience 6–12 weeks, depending on document completeness and the backlog at the physical planning department. Permits in peri-urban areas (Kasoa, outer Adentan, Ashaiman) may take longer due to assembly capacity.
No. Starting construction before your permit is issued is a violation of the National Building Regulations. If inspectors observe unauthorized work, a stop-work order can be issued — and in serious cases, the assembly can order demolition at the owner's expense. The permit must be in hand before the first shovel goes in the ground.
The district assembly can issue a stop-work order, require demolition of the unauthorized structure, and impose fines. An unpermitted structure also creates problems at resale and may prevent you from accessing electricity and water connections from utilities.
Generally yes, if the work involves structural changes, increases the footprint of the building, or alters the approved drawings. Minor internal renovations (repainting, tiling, fitting replacement) typically don't require a permit. If in doubt, check with your local assembly's physical planning department before starting.
Yes. We handle permit applications as part of our full construction service. We coordinate with the architects, prepare the document package, submit it to the correct assembly, and track the application through to approval. Most clients find this significantly less stressful than doing it independently. Get a quote here.
Cornerstone handles the full permit process as part of your build — drawings, submission, follow-up, and approval. You focus on the build; we handle the paperwork.
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