Land tenure, traditional institutions and sustainable development in Northern Ghana within the context of the national land policy

Abstract

"Tenure issues relation to land has always been a major area of conflict in Northern Ghana. The role of Traditional Institutions within this conflict arena is becoming more and more protracted.

In this article I discuss policy issues on land within the Ghanaian landscape. From policy issues, I move into discussion on ownership and access to land. In the process, I highlight the role of Traditional Institutions in perpetuating denial and/or restricted ownerships and access.

I conclude by restating the role of land as a natural resource that it critical in supporting rural livelihoods. Hence, the need to creatively mange land, which is dwindling while population is on the ascendancy. This requires strong policy support"