In the African country of Ghana, Ghanaian Inheritance Laws affect every person in the country who may own any type of property in Ghana. In this blog we will discuss if the inhabitants of Ghana can make will and what the age of testamentary capacity is. Also we will discuss the process of probate as well as if the presence of an attorney is mandatory. Lastly, we will glance at the intestacy Laws of Ghana and compare them to see the difference in New York State Laws of Intestacy.
In the country of Ghana, the Ghanaian people are allowed to make a will and the testamentary capacity in the country of Ghana is 18 years old. When creating a will, the testator does not need an attorney present. But it is highly recommended for the testator to have an attorney because of the complexity of drafting. While drafting a will there must be three (3) witnesses including the testator. The two (2) witnesses must be 21 years old at minimum. Upon execution of the will, the testator must also have a thumbprint printed on to the will next to his/her name. Also a beneficiary can’t be a witness to the will.
After the will is executed and properly drafted to the finest of details, many people may keep their wills in the homes or other places. But it is HIGHLY recommended and safest place to keep the will is in the registry of the High Court. Once the testator has handed over the will to the Highest Court, it is then sealed in the testators presence then put away. Interestingly unlike New York Law, a will in Ghana can dispose of a persons’ property that was not noted on the will because it was acquired after the moment the will was executed. By allowing this, the will remains valid and the property can be distributed without drafting a new will.
If interested in hiring an attorney for probate in Ghana, you can refer to (http://www.hg.org/law-firms/probate/ghana.html) for the choices of probate attorneys currently practicing today.
http://www.globalpropertyguide.com/Africa/Ghana/Inheritance#law
Esaam Hack.
