The establishment of Customary Land Secretariats (CLSs) has emerged as a pivotal innovation in Ghana’s customary land and natural resource governance. Initially introduced under the Land Administration Project (LAP), CLSs were designed to support Traditional Authorities in formalizing customary land administration, enhancing record-keeping, and fostering transparency in land transactions. Following years of successful piloting and gradual expansion, CLSs have now been legally recognized under Ghana’s Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), as essential components in the country’s land governance framework.

The CLS model has seen significant growth, with over 100 secretariats currently operating across the nation. The new Land Act requires all land-owning groups to establish a CLS, marking a strategic expansion aimed at providing structured land management services nationwide. By formalizing CLSs, Ghana seeks to create a more organized, transparent, and accountable system for customary land transactions.

To further strengthen the role of CLSs, authorities are developing standardized guidelines that will provide operational clarity and support for these secretariats. Once validated and implemented, these guidelines will enhance the CLSs’ capacity to deliver consistent and reliable land administration services, aligning with Ghana’s goals for sustainable and equitable land governance.

The integration of CLSs into the national land framework reflects Ghana’s commitment to preserving customary land rights while adapting to modern governance standards, offering a promising model for other countries in the region.