A conceptual approach for enhancing customary land management : case from Ghana
Arko-Adjei, Anthony
There is widespread consensus that the land holding and management systems in most sub- Saharan African countries like Ghana are complex with indigenous system for holding and managing lands in the various regions that make up the countries. Others argue that many interventions taken by governments since the colonial administration has added to the complexity. Many land administration projects, which are mostly centralized systems, often fail thereby resulting in all forms of tenure systems, uncontrolled physical development and environmental degradation. A wider institutionally based focus is necessary to manage customary land at the local level. Researches have shown that land management in developing areas is facilitated where there is a flow of information to the public from local level registries. Local registries improve the completeness of records, the sustainability of titling and land use controls and conflict resolution over land rights and land management in general. Placing these in a theoretical framework, the paper recognizes the values attached to customary land and the roles the custodians play in land management and draws conceptual models for enhancing the management of customary lands. The elements being investigated include the establishment of customary land registries or management schemes at the local level where the custodians of customary land together with statutory bodies manage the lands. The paper takes a new look at institutions that are likely to take shape and what new professional activities and personnel needed to be developed in the new system and the legislative implications of the model.
Event: 5th FIG Regional Conference for Africa : Promoting Land Administration and Good Governance
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