CHANGES IN WOMEN ACCESS TO AND OWNERSHIP OF LAND IN NORTHERN GHANA

Abstract

Purpose –– The paper sought to investigate some of the advocacy interventions on women’s rights and their impact on the evolution of culture surrounding women’s land rights. Methods –– The research adopted a qualitative approach; using key expert interviews comprising of planners, traditional authorities and land governance experts. The focus group discussions were composed of Twelve groups consisting of Seven to Nine participants in each group. Findings –– The evolution of culture on customary land governance has been as a result of advocacy interventions on human rights implemented mainly by NGOs in the Northern part of Ghana. Conclusion & Recommendation –– The study revealed that there are positive changes in women’s access to and ownership of land even though some challenges still exist. Hence, it is recommended that stakeholders need to equip themselves with the current realities of cultures that border on land ownership and accessibility in Northern Ghana. Keywords –– Land rights, women, customs, development, property commodification