Global Research Journal of Geography

¹ Gyamera, E. A,  and ²Yakubu I.

¹Department of Soil Science, School of Agriculture, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast. Ghana.

² Faculty of Mineral Resource Technology, University of Mines & Technology, Tarkwa. Ghana.

Tel. +233 24 4521145; Fax. +233 33 213 2709

*Corresponding author: Gyamera EA: egyamera@ucc.edu.gh 

ABSTRACT

Lands in Ghana can be broadly classified into public lands, stool/skin lands, clan/family lands and private lands. Public lands can further be classified into state and vested lands. Over the years, most customary owners in areas where lands are/were vested have called for those lands to be de-vested. The aim of this study was to assess the need to de-vest all vested lands to original owners towards a sustainable socio-economic development in Gommoa traditional areas. A research population of 105 respondents with knowledge in land issues (vesting & de-vesting) were interviewed to ascertain their position on de-vesting of lands. All respondents (100%) agreed that vesting ensured orderly development. Majority (60%) of respondents were of the opinion that vested lands should not only be maintained but government should take steps to nationalize all lands in Ghana to ensure prudent management adding that de-vesting will lead to indiscriminate alienation by chiefs. Also, 11% of respondent agreed that the lands so vested should be returned since the chiefs can manage their own affairs. Again, 29% of respondents took a middle ground, stating for those areas where vesting was still relevant, measures should be put in place to strengthen them and for those which the purpose had been defeated, it should be de-vested but with certain condition precedent. Having examined the reasons, shortcomings and potentials of vesting in Ghana, it can be concluded that areas where the purpose of vesting no longer hold should on the basis of fairness and equity be de-vested as quickly as possible under a given set of conditions whereas areas where it is still relevant for vesting to be maintained should be ensured.

Key words: Ghana, Gommoa Traditional Area, De-vest, Vested, Lands 

.