After 25 years, Ghana is revisiting its National Land Policy of 1999 to address new challenges and incorporate international standards in land and natural resource governance. Initially implemented in June 1999, the Policy aimed to promote equitable land access for all, secure land tenure, organize the land market, and protect Ghana’s land and natural resources against encroachment. This foundation has guided the Land Administration Project (LAP) and served as a pillar for Ghana’s land governance. However, as land and resource issues evolve, the original policy framework has become outdated.

In response to recommendations from the 2022 Land Conference, the Land Sector Multi-Stakeholder Platform (LSMSP) has embarked on an extensive review to modernize the Policy. The updated policy will incorporate contemporary global standards, such as the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries, and Forests in the Context of National Food Security (VGGT), as well as the Framework and Guidelines on Land Policy in Africa. This review aims to create a more inclusive policy, with an emphasis on gender equality and social inclusion.

Once revised, the National Land Policy will work alongside the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036) and other regulations to strengthen land and resource governance at both customary and national levels. COLANDEF, a key civil society actor in this policy review process, has provided insights from its research on challenges at the customary level, including women’s land and property rights.

COLANDEF’s contributions reflect the review’s commitment to aligning with Ghana’s social and environmental needs, while incorporating feedback from a range of community and industry stakeholders. The goal: a progressive National Land Policy that meets Ghana’s evolving needs and upholds international governance standards for sustainable development.