CUSTOMARY LAND TENURE AND LAND DOCUMENTATION IN THE WASA AMENFI DISTRICT, WESTERN GHANA

Abstract

This paper explores the land ownership and use arrangements in Wasa Anwnli noting thal both external and internal influences have resulted in adaptations in the traditional land tenure system. Using primary data eonlpletnented by documentary evidence. the perceptions of community members concerning the evolving customary land tenure practices in Wasa Amenfi. various forms of  land documentation are detailed. The expositions give examples of the evolving nature of land tenure where the old practice works alongside new adaptations though interpreted differently.

This paper concludes by emphasising land remains the most essential resource sustaining the livelihoods of people in Wasa Amenfi. Competing demands for land has resulted in pronounced land conflicts and the National land Policy and the land Administration Programme are policy and progratnme interventions aimed at streamlining land administration inccluding customary land tenure to reduce land conflicts and enhance productivity of land. While traditional and formal means of resolving conflicts exist, the paper recommends that standardisation of local documentation practices can assist in establishing benchmarks for determining land boundaries. providing common grounds for conflict resolution, and consequently enhance agricultural production as a way or reducing poverty at both local and national levels.