Acquisition and Affordability of Land for Housing in Urban Ghana: A Study in the Formal Land Market Dynamics
RICS Research
Download Document| Date Published | 2006 |
| Version | RICS Research Paper Series, Volume 6, Number 10 |
| Primary Author | Callistus Mahama and Martin Dixon |
| Other Authors | |
| Theme | |
| Country | Ghana |
Abstract
Land is the main source of livelihood in Ghana. Yet, as land prices rise, poor people are priced even out of the less desirable areas. The poorest are often forced into temporary settlements. Disputes over access to and control over land often give rise to social conflict and spiralling violence between and among stools. Regardless of the detailed rules and mechanisms established by the state in addition to the existence of various customary and statutory enactments on the subject dealing with access to land, the discussion in this paper has revealed adequate credence that the system in place is far from being efficient. Whereas there is a national project on land administration , it must be said that good management of land though an essential prerequisite of enabling access to land, land administration or management, must not be treated in isolation from other important factors. Security of tenure, combined with improved access to land, credit, efficient markets and a suitable legal regime will lead to more efficient practices. These, together with improved land management and administration, will have a strong positive impact on the motivation and ability of Ghanaians to invest in the land. No margins separate them, as each is tied to the others.