DYNAMICS OF LAND CONFLICTS IN BOLGATANGA IN THE UPPER EAST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

This study dealt into the dynamics of land conflicts in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region of Ghana. Data collection techniques such as review of relevant literature, interview guide and questionnaire administration were used. Data gathered from the field was analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative approach. The findings of the study revealed that traditional land transactions were not documented hence featured as one of the contributory factors of land conflicts in Bolgatanga. An observation of land boundaries demarcations in the study communities showed unclear thin lines and in cases elephant grasses were used to indicate boundaries of families and individual lands in the communities. These grasses were dried up rendering visibility and identification poor. It also revealed that lands that were given out to settlers by their forefathers in exchange of donkeys as symbol of cultural and spiritual pacification now have these families returning the donkeys to the settlers so they can reclaim ownership of those parcels of lands. Weak traditional and formal land institutions coupled with poor collaboration also constituted part of the causes of land conflicts in the Municipality. The study concluded that ensuring effective land administration and management devoid of conflicts and therefore advocates for proper boundary demarcation and effective collaboration, stakeholder sensitization and dialogue among natives and settlers in the communities so as to curtail the numerous land conflicts in the region.