Customary Land Ownership and Gender Disparity - Evidence from the Wa Municipality of Ghana

Studies draw attention to gender inequalities in land tenure. While some insist that gender inequalities in land tenure exists others do not. This paper discusses a study that examined gender issues in customary land ownership in the Wa Municipality. It sought to understand and find ways of bridging the gender gaps, if any. A survey covering 151 respondents comprising Chiefs, Tendamba, women and family heads was undertaken. The research revealed significant disparities between men and women regarding access to and ownership of land. Only 38% of female respondents owned land as compared to 68% of the male respondents. This was mainly attributed to the patrilineal system of inheritance. It also revealed that the inequality in access to land was due to financial constraint and, rapid urbanization as well as the high illiteracy rate among women. A number of recommendations have been made for enhancing women’s access and ownership of customary land in the Wa Municipality and for promoting gender inclusiveness.KEYWORDS: Gender Equality, Access and Control, Systems of Inheritance, CustomaryOwnership, Land Tenur