Land tenure and land development in Ghana (a case study of Nkawkaw Township).

Abstract

The significance of land for building is undisputable. The concept of property right and the nature of rights prevailing on a particular piece of land and land development issues are the core of the study. The purpose of study is to investigate the challenges associated with land tenure and development issues in Ghana. Using a survey and case study research design, simple random sampling, questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussion and observation as the field instrument, the dynamics of land tenure and development issues in the Nkawkaw area were studied. The results of the study has revealed that the activities of unqualified land surveyors and non-availability of planning scheme in the area have resulted in cases of multiple sales of land, encroachment and disputes. Land registration and the acquisition of permit before building was not their priority. Among the findings of the study is that some client out of ignorance acquired land from unauthorised source. It also showed that most of the time these clients manage to execute project either with or without approval. The study recommended that pragmatic measure must be put in place to resolve the challenges facing land tenure and development in the area. The allocation of land must be streamlined. The customary land rights in the area must be codified and Town and Country Planning Department must be empowered to enforce planning decisions. The land registration regime currently operational must be decentralized to ensure timely service delivery and cost reduction. Above all there should be more educational campaigns to inform the people on new development in the area.