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Institutional Synergies in Customary Land Markets—Selected Case Studies of Large-Scale Land Acquisitions (LSLAs) in Ghana

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  • Elias Danyi Kuusaana

    (Department of Economic and Technological Change, Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex Str 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany
    Department of Real Estate and Land Management, University for Development Studies, Wa Campus, Post Office Box 520, Wa - Upper West Region, Tamale, Ghana)

  • Nicolas Gerber

    (Department of Economic and Technological Change, Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex Str 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany)

Abstract

Synergies among land institutions and institutional changes impact on land markets and in guaranteeing agro-based employment, capital injection, local economic development and infrastructural improvement. Increasingly, these institutions have come under pressure and there are concerns about their functional capacities and implications on land markets. This paper discusses institutional synergies and its impacts on customary land markets under large-scale land acquisitions for agro-investments in Ghana. From the study, it was identified that the government of Ghana has maintained a non-interfering stance in customary land markets so as to protect the sanctity and independence of customary land institutions. Also, land transactions were found characterised by lack of transparency, information sharing, participation and accountability. For an efficient and effective management of LSLAs in Ghana, there is the need for a functioning institutional collaboration and one-stop-shop approach to streamline the apparent complex processes of acquiring agricultural land. The roles of customary custodians such as chiefs and Tendaamba should be critically reviewed and re-aligned according to local customs to make the institutions more accountable, consultative and transparent, while curtailing their enormous powers in land administration.

Suggested Citation

  • Elias Danyi Kuusaana & Nicolas Gerber, 2015. "Institutional Synergies in Customary Land Markets—Selected Case Studies of Large-Scale Land Acquisitions (LSLAs) in Ghana," Land, MDPI, vol. 4(3), pages 1-27, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:4:y:2015:i:3:p:842-868:d:55964
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    4. Ahmed, Abubakari & Kuusaana, Elias Danyi & Gasparatos, Alexandros, 2018. "The role of chiefs in large-scale land acquisitions for jatropha production in Ghana: insights from agrarian political economy," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 570-582.
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    7. Kristina Lanz & Jean‐David Gerber & Tobias Haller, 2018. "Land Grabbing, the State and Chiefs: The Politics of Extending Commercial Agriculture in Ghana," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 49(6), pages 1526-1552, November.
    8. Lankono, Charity Bazaabadire & Forkuor, David & Asaaga, Festus Atribawuni, 2023. "Examining the impact of customary land secretariats on decentralised land governance in Ghana: Evidence from stakeholders in Northern Ghana," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 130(C).

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