Key takeaways
- In Ghana, gains from the realisation of investment assets (shares, land, buildings, business interests) are taxable: they are either included in chargeable income at progressive rates or, on election, taxed separately at 15%.
- Key exemptions under the Income Tax Act, 2015 (Act 896) include gains on securities listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange and on a qualifying private residence, subject to conditions.
- Investment income has its own rules: dividends face an 8% final withholding tax for residents and non-residents, while interest from resident financial institutions and on government bonds/treasury bills paid to individuals is exempt.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Ghana taxes capital gains under the Income Tax Act, 2015 (Act 896), as amended. For investors, founders and diaspora property owners, the questions are: is the gain taxable, should you elect the 15% separate rate, and do any exemptions apply? This guide answers them for 2026.
Ghana capital gains – key figures (2026)
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Scope | Gains on realisation of investment assets (shares, land, buildings, business interests) |
| Rate | Included in chargeable income (progressive) or 15% on election |
| GSE-listed securities | Exempt |
| Private residence | Exempt if conditions met (ownership and occupation period) |
| Small gains | Exempt below a de minimis amount |
| Dividends | 8% final withholding (residents and non-residents) |
| Interest from resident financial institutions / government bonds | Exempt for individuals |
How are capital gains taxed in Ghana?
Act 896 taxes the gain on realisation of an investment asset: the difference between the consideration received and the cost base. You then have two options:
- Include the gain in chargeable income, taxed at progressive personal income tax rates (top rate 35%; the scale was revised by the Income Tax (Amendment) Act, 2026 (Act 1178) from 1 September 2026); or
- Elect to have the gain (net of losses on the same asset) taxed separately at 15%.
The election is useful when the gain would push your other income into the top bracket; for smaller gains, the progressive scale can be cheaper.
Example: A Ghanaian-British investor sells land in East Legon bought for GHS 400,000 for GHS 1,400,000. The GHS 1,000,000 gain can be added to her income or taxed at 15% (GHS 150,000) on election. If the property was her qualifying private residence, the gain may be exempt.
Exemptions to check
- Shares listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange – gains are exempt to encourage capital-market activity (still in force in 2026, per the GSE and GRA).
- Private residence – gains on a home owned and occupied as a residence for a minimum period.
- Agricultural land and certain reorganisations or transfers between spouses/relatives.
- De minimis gains below a small threshold.
Non-residents and indirect transfers
Non-residents are taxed on gains from Ghanaian assets – land, buildings and shares in Ghanaian companies. Selling shares in a foreign company that owns Ghanaian assets can also be taxed in Ghana under change-of-ownership rules (more than 50% change in underlying ownership). Ghana's treaties (e.g. with the UK, France, Germany, South Africa) may reduce or allocate taxing rights.
Points for diaspora investors and location-independent professionals
- Keep acquisition records (deeds, receipts, improvement costs) to establish the cost base.
- Plan the election with your other Ghanaian income in mind.
- Your country of residence may also tax the gain; claim a foreign tax credit there for Ghanaian tax.
- Withholding on property sales and stamp duty may apply at registration.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital gains tax rate in Ghana?
Gains on investment assets are either included in chargeable income at progressive rates or, on election, taxed separately at 15% (net of losses on the same asset).
Are gains on Ghana Stock Exchange shares taxable?
No. Gains on securities listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange are exempt in 2026.
Is selling my house in Ghana taxable?
A gain on a qualifying private residence can be exempt if ownership and occupation conditions are met. Otherwise, the gain is taxable at progressive rates or at 15% on election.
How are dividends and interest taxed in Ghana?
Dividends are subject to an 8% final withholding tax. Interest paid to individuals by resident financial institutions and interest on government bonds and treasury bills are exempt.
Related guides
Sources
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries – Ghana: Income determination
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries – Ghana: Other taxes
- Income Tax Act, 2015 (Act 896), as amended; Ghana Revenue Authority
This guide is general information, not personalised tax advice.
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