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

Ed Kuusaana,Jk Kidido,E Halidu-Adam

doi:10.4314/gjds.v10i1-2.4

Abstract

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, Customary Ownership, Land Tenure

Highlights

Land is a primary source of wealth, social status and power
It can be concluded that women in the Wa Municipality do not have equal access to land
Their access is limited to user rights from their natal and matrimonial family lands

Summary

Introduction

Land is a primary source of wealth, social status and power. It is the foundation for food production, shelter provision and economic activities and as such virtually every individual depends directly or indirectly on land for their livelihood. Access to and ownership of land within the customary sector is primarily based on membership to a particular landholding community. This is because “land under customary tenure was considered as a resource that all community members should have access to land in order to subsist” (Pottier, 2005: 58). Women do not enjoy equal rights to land; they have only secondary use rights to land and they can only gain access to land through their husbands, brothers and sons (Kameri-Mbote, 2005)

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion