Land Administration, Chiefs, and Governance in Ghana

Abstract

This chapter examines the role of chiefs in the administration of land in Ghana within a historical framework dating back to the pre-colonial period. It examines the relationship between the dynamic of internal political factors and of international pressures for governance reforms. It argues that while present land governance reforms fit into the framework of market liberal governance reforms advocated by international financial institutions and the USA, the origins of the present role of chiefs in land administration date back to the political coalitions that came to dominance following the overthrow of Nkrumah in 1966. Although these appeal to notions of community, they are also based on a coalition of national elites with traditional authorities, which enables rural resources to be appropriated for capital accumulation with the connivance of chiefs who give legal authority to these transactions, through the customary notion that they are the owners of the land. The chiefs are closely connected with national elites, and many prominent politicians originate from chiefly families. It is argued that current reforms strengthen the process of private acquisition of land rather than the user rights of smallholders and their ability to resist expropriation.

The Factors and Actors Engaged in Land Transaction Arrangement and Commoditization in Africa: an Example From the Bolgatanga Municipality of Northern Ghana

“…He is said to be the descendant of the rst settler on the land and by custom has right of ownership over the land (Okyere&Bedu, 2022; Akolgo-Azupogo, Bardy & Rubens, 2021; Bugri & Yuonayel, 2015; Yaro, 2012; Kasanga and Kotey (2001). Tribal chiefs, because of their social and political status and the recognition which they receive from the public from long before the colonial era, also have authority on land, but this is limited (Amanor, 2022;Lund, 2008).…”

Custom and Commodification: The Role of Earth Priests, Family Heads, Chiefs and Youth in Land Administration Among the Bulsa of Northern Ghana

“…In fact, in Ghana, tensions and conflicts become prevalent when land is misappropriated or commoditised with emphasis on its market value and not its intrinsic cultural and social value. As far as the idea of the customary is concerned, Amanor (1999) and Berry (2001) have argued that, the notion of the 'customary' was structured around reinventions of African traditions by colonial officials and so full of ambiguities and prejudices. For example, Berry contends that the effort of colonialists to redefine the notion of 'customary' in favour of colonial interests rather produced negative outcomes in which chiefs, elders and colonial officials colluded to deprive the peasantry and the youth of heritable land.…”

Gendered dynamics of state‐led smallholder commercialisation in Ghana. The case of Nkoranza traditional area

“…Structural divisions among smallholders have been noted, however in terms of differences in sociocultural and economic factors. Empirically, Amanor (1999) observed that structural inequities based on gender, ethnicity and age are often deepened in the context of commercialisation. Bernstein (2010) and Oya (2007) argue that the process of smallholder commercialisation has two major implications: the creation of entrepreneurial smallholders (petty commodity producers) and the increase of social differentiation.…”