Land tenure and regional investment prospects: the case of the tenurial systems of Northern Ghana

Abstract

Northern Ghana still has vast supplies of undeveloped land, with enormous potential for commercial agriculture, agro‐industries, housing estates, shopping centres and hotels. Yet its regional economy remains weak. Ignoring the historical and colonial origins of the marginalization of the North generally, examines the tenurial issues and land management practices of the region and their implications for investment mobilization. The evidence suggests that the chequered history of land tenure not only resulted in social unrest and the displacement of helpless villagers, but also induced the destruction of invaluable investments, particularly in agriculture. To promote investments in the landed property sector more certain land tenure systems, secure and speedier land title documentation processes and improved management practices are required. For sustainable investments, however, tenurial security must of necessity be combined with improvements in technical and social infrastructure, financial support, widened markets and guaranteed prices, appropriate technology and environmental security. Government commitment and investment incentive packages, along with international financial and technical support should also facilitate the development process.

Citation

Kasim Kasanga, R. (1995), "Land tenure and regional investment prospects: the case of the tenurial systems of Northern Ghana", Property Management, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 21-31. https://doi.org/10.1108/02637479510083780