Use alternative disputes resolution to resolve land disputes - Land Commission

The issue of land disputes in Ghana is a common phenomenon, such disputes are characterized by unending litigation in court,use of land guards to protect the lands and prevent developments, and sometimes develop in violence.

It is a notorious fact that land disputes have caused many to lose investments and capital in land transactions, this continues to inhibit development of lands especially where land disputes are very rampant.

Land disputes have also contributed to the underdevelopment of the housing and mortgage industry in Ghana since many times the insecurity of tenures deter and demotivate investors and financial institutions.

Giving effects of disputes on land investments and development, it is important to result to a strategy of preventing, avoiding, managing and resolving land disputes to facilitate nation building and development.

In this regard  Land Commission is urging all Ghanaians to adopt alternative disputes resolution to resolve land disputes in the country.

Public Relations Officer of the Land Commission Eunice Opoku disclosed this in an interview with Wenchi based Radio West Africa the Bono Regional town of Wenchi in the sideline to His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo charging the Commission to expedite digitalization of lands in the country to avoid double sale of lands.

Eunice Opoku explained that the alternative disputes resolution (ADR) is a mechanism of resolving disputes other than using formal court process, litigation, by parties involved in the dispute.

Thankfully the new Land Act, 2020(Act 1036) has also made provision for the resolution of land disputes by ADR she said.