Land tenure, traditional institutions and sustainable development in Northern Ghana within the context of the national land policy

Tenure issues relation to land has always been a major area of conflict in Northern Ghana. The role of Traditional Institutions within this conflict arena is becoming more and more protracted. In this article I discuss policy issues on land within the Ghanaian landscape. From policy issues, I move into discussion on ownership and access to land. In the process, I highlight the role of Traditional Institutions in perpetuating denial and/or restricted ownerships and access. I conclude by restating the role of land as a natural resource that it critical in supporting rural livelihoods. Hence, the need to creatively mange land, which is dwindling while population is on the ascendancy. This requires strong policy support. Ghana Journal of Development Studies Vol.1(1) 2004: 61-7