Transparency International flags land disputes as fuel for corruption in Ghana

Transparency International Ghana has warned that the country’s deepening land disputes are driving corruption in the land sector, undermining accountability, and sidelining vulnerable groups such as women and the youth.

Speaking at a multi-stakeholder dialogue in Kumasi on “Strengthening Inclusive Land Governance in Ghana”, the anti-corruption body noted that irregular customary tenure systems, coupled with family disputes and unchecked land sales, are feeding widespread abuse.

Nearly 80% of Ghana’s land is under customary ownership, managed by chiefs, family heads, and elders. Traditionally, this system guaranteed community access. But pressures from urbanisation, land commodification, and inconsistent policies have left many communities facing tenure insecurity, alienation, and conflicts.

Ashanti Regional Commissioner of Land, Peter Osei Owusu, observed that while some traditional structures ensure accountability, weak or ambiguous ownership systems elsewhere leave room for manipulation. 

The Kumasi dialogue brought together stakeholders to discuss land-related corruption, women’s land rights, customary administration, and the legal empowerment of marginalized groups. Participants agreed that multiple ownership claims, unclear boundaries, and contradictions between customary and statutory law often create avenues for bribery, forgery, and abuse of power.

Transparency International Ghana’s Project Coordinator, Michael Okai, urged broader collaboration to harmonize customary and statutory practices.

The dialogue formed part of the Land and Corruption in Africa Project II, run in partnership with the Lands Commission. Alongside the engagement, TI Ghana showcased its Report Corruption initiative, launched in 2022, which works with farmers, communities, and the private sector to identify and address risks.

Lands Commission officials also highlighted digitisation efforts, including electronic conveyancing, which they say will cut down human interaction, reduce paperwork, and help curb extortion. Deputy Regional Head of the Mapping Division, Prince Akwasi Sasu, said digitised land records would boost transparency and improve service delivery nationwide.