Challenges of Land Acquisition the in the Mining Communities of Tarkwa, Ghana (6950) |
| Edward Kwesi, Peter Ekow Baffoe, Kwame Tenadu and Jones Ofori Boadu (Ghana) |
Mr Edward Kwesi
Lecturer
University of Mines and Technology, Ghana
University of Mines and Technology, Ghana
Geomatic Engineering Department
Tarkwa
Ghana
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| Corresponding author Mr Edward Kwesi (email: kwesiedward[at]hotmail.com, tel.: +233 024 38 25 777) |
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| [ abstract ] [ paper ] [ handouts ] |
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Published on the web 2014-03-21
Received 2013-11-15 / Accepted 2014-02-06 |
| This paper is one of selection of papers published for the FIG Congress 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and has undergone the FIG Peer Review Process. |
FIG Congress 2014
ISBN 978-87-92853-21-9 ISSN 2308-3441
http://www.fig.net/resources/proceedings/fig_proceedings/fig2014/index.htm
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Abstract |
| Abstract
One of the major challenges facing land acquisition in most mining communities of Ghana is the absence of clearly demarcated and undisputed land boundaries and ownership. Natural features (trees, hedges, footpaths, ridges, valleys and streams) that were used in the past to mark and describe land boundaries and tracts have become obliterated and obsolete long ago. The locations of some settlements, streams and roads have been changed, ridges have been flattened, valleys filled and even relatively permanent markers like concrete pillars and iron rods have been destroyed. These have contributed to numerous disputes about land boundaries, ownership and compensation payments in the area. This paper presents detail accounts of the land boundary and ownership problems in the mining communities of Tarkwa, Ghana, the sources of the problems, the challenges they pose to land acquisition, and suggests ways to deal with them. The study found mining activities as the major source of the boundary problems, and getting a legal title or recognition to ‘purchased’ land as the main challenge to land acquisition in the area. It is recommended that all stakeholders in land in mining communities should get knowledge of existing boundary and ownership problems and engage the services of professional surveyors to serve as guides in land transactions or undertakings.
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| Keywords: Land management; Access to land; Land- Acquisition; Land- Ownership; Land-Boundaries; Mining-Activities; Boundary-Markers.
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