A study conducted by Caritas Ghana in collaboration with the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) has revealed that a lack of knowledge about land acquisition processes and legal frameworks in Ghana is causing communities to lose their lands, income, and livelihoods to multinationals and property developers. The study focused on four rural communities where lands were allocated mainly on a family basis.
The findings showed that only 67% of members in the Subinso community in the Eastern region had knowledge about the statutory agencies, legal frameworks, and processes for land acquisition in Ghana. In Tanchara, Upper East Region, 73% had no knowledge about these processes. Similarly, 65% of community members in Babator (Savannah region) and 67% in Breweniase (Oti region) reported a lack of knowledge about land transfers, despite leasing the lands for decades.
The study highlighted the plight of farmers and landowners who have lost their lands to multinationals. In one case, a community leased 3,715 acres of land to a multinational company for 50 years at a rate of only US$5 per year, leading to adverse socio-economic consequences such as rural-urban migration and engagement in survival activities like prostitution and menial jobs.
Dr. Patrick Tandoh-Offin, a Rural Development expert and lead for the study, emphasized the issues of land grabbing and forceful acquisition of large parcels of land by transnational corporations, individuals, and the state. He recommended intensified education and sensitization efforts by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Lands Commission, media, and other stakeholders on land acquisition protocols and legal procedures. He also called for a unified computerized system for land management to ensure transparency and prevent double sale of lands.
Mr. Hope Boye Agbah, a Land Administration Officer at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, mentioned that guidelines on large-scale land acquisition have been developed to address the lack of knowledge in this area. He also highlighted the dissemination of information about the new Land Act 2020 (Act 1036) as a means to resolve land acquisition issues.
Regina Ignatia Aflah, Chairperson of Caritas Ghana, emphasized the importance of collective action by faith and non-faith actors to address land rights, acquisition, and food sovereignty issues. She regarded the study as a valuable contribution to the existing body of knowledge and an impetus for civil society organizations to strive for equitable land access and food sovereignty.
