Unmasking the realities: issues and experiences of government large-scale land acquisition in Ghana

Large-scale government land acquisitions in Ghana continue to face significant challenges, despite the existence of regulatory frameworks, policy initiatives, and normative guidelines intended to govern the process. This study examines these challenges in four communities through the theoretical lenses of social contract and justice. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed, combining a cross-sectional survey of 324 landowners and users with interviews and focus group discussions involving key stakeholders. The analysis, using thematic, spatial, and descriptive techniques, revealed critical gaps in constitutional and institutional frameworks. The acquisition processes were marked by overlapping land claims, unclear boundaries, non-payment of compensation, and lack of resettlement, resulting in land-related disputes. These findings highlight the complexity and contested nature of land governance in Ghana. The study emphasizes the importance of clearly defined stakeholder roles and recommends the creation of a national governance body to oversee large-scale acquisitions, with attention to livelihoods and marginalized groups.