Shaping Ghana’s New National Land Policy with Traditional Leaders

July 25, 2025

In Ghana, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, together with the Lands Commission, the Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands, and the Land Sector Multi-Stakeholder Platform for Inclusive Land Governance (LSMSP) are spearheading the review of Ghana’s National Land Policy from 1999. With support from the government, NELGA, Landesa and COLANDEF, a first engagement meeting with the National House of Chiefs took place in Kumasi on 14th of July.

Since about 80% of land in Ghana is under customary tenure, chiefs play a crucial role in sustainable and inclusive land governance. The engagement meeting brought together the Standing Committee of the National House of Chiefs to ensure their voices are reflected in the review process. Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, the President of the National House of Chiefs urged the Government to prioritise engagement with traditional leaders in the allocation of land for the exploitation of natural resources and to plug the gaps in the land laws of the country. He recognised the engagement of the House on the National Land Policy as a step in the right direction. Dr. Wordsworth Odame Larbi stressed that a comprehensive review of the land policy is impossible without the full participation of traditional custodians.

By joining forces with the Ghanaian government, NELGA supports the development of a land policy that addresses today’s challenges — from climate change to women’s and youth land access — while safeguarding community rights and promoting sustainable development.