Appeal Court judge slams weak enforcement of Land Act as land disputes dominate court cases

Ghana’s land disputes are spiraling out of control, with over 70% of court cases tied to litigation, yet the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036) seems to have little impact.

Court of Appeal Judge Justice Alexander Osei Tutu has criticized the law’s poor enforcement and lack of public awareness, stating that key provisions—such as the ban on land guard activities—are not being implemented.

Speaking at the "Law for Society" seminar in Accra, he highlighted issues like multiple land ownership claims and the government’s mismanagement of public lands.

He noted that land is frequently sold to multiple buyers, fueling disputes, while state-acquired lands are often resold to private investors instead of being returned to their original owners.