Kumasi: Transparency International Ghana has held a multi-stakeholder advocacy workshop in Kumasi to advance the second phase of the Land and Corruption in Africa Project (LCA II), aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting equitable land governance. The project seeks to address the adverse effects of corruption in land administration by enhancing tenure security and ensuring fair access for men and women across generations. It engages civil society, the private sector, and government institutions to champion transparent, accountable, and corruption-free land governance.
According to Ghana News Agency, participants at the workshop included representatives from traditional authorities, civil society organisations, women and youth groups, and private sector actors. The session provided a platform for dialogue and the development of inclusive, accountable, and equitable approaches to managing land in Ghana. Mr. Michael Okine, Coordinator of the LCA Project, said the overarching goal is to eradicate corruption in land administration in both government and traditional sectors.
"As part of the project, we undertake extensive public awareness campaigns on land and corruption, especially through radio, to educate people about their rights and responsibilities under the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036)," he explained. He disclosed that a baseline study conducted under the project found persistent corruption in the land sector, including multiple land sales and displacement of people without fair compensation. He also highlighted the long-standing challenge of women being denied access to land as a right, despite progressive provisions in the 2020 Land Act.
Mr. Okine stressed the need for harmonised discussions involving all stakeholders both public and private, to achieve a comprehensive and effective response to these challenges. Mr. Peter Osei Owusu, Ashanti Regional Lands Officer, described land as a critical resource for socio-economic development but also a major source of corruption in Ghana. "The land sector remains one of the most corrupt in the country. We need an honest national conversation to collectively address this menace," he stated. He commended Transparency International Ghana for its sustained efforts through the LCA Project and called on all stakeholders to support the initiative to strengthen integrity in land governance.
