Addressing the Problems of Land Registration Processes in Complex Land Tenure Systems Using Computational Techniques: Evidence from Accra Ghana

Abstract

Land registration processes have been described to be simplistic in simple land tenure environments where land rights are treasured and registered by the state on behalf of the people. Duplication of tasks, repeated preparation of land registration documents, and wrong definition of tasks affect the activities and processes of land registration characterising complex land tenure environments. Many qualitative land registration models such as the use of Unified Modified Language (UML) diagrams have been developed to show the frameworks of land registration processes in most parts of the world. However, most researches avoid the technical implementation of these models. This paper presents the quantitative approaches to addressing the problems of land registration processes in complex land tenure systems using computational techniques such as Process Maker and Java Script. The paper used case study approach to collect data and systems design method for the output. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from the Lands Commission of Accra and its stakeholders. Process maker software was operationalised using GeoJSON parcel file. Results show that, the simplification of land registration processes is based on the rationale behind the change (Data error, improved capacity, service quality), and the semantics (process re-engineering) involved in the computation of the modelling processes. The outcome has the ability to simplify an otherwise complex tenure system by avoiding delays and therefore improving the land registration processes.

Navigating the Terrain of Digital Transition: Ghana’s Journey of Developing a Digital Land Information System

“…Second, land registration in Ghana is sporadic. Third, there are limited regulations on family land disposition [60]. According to Management, there is no current plan to obtain full cadastral coverage to feed the LIS; even if there were, such a plan would be capital-intensive and could not be afforded by the LC.…”

Associated Challenges of Urban Land Acquisition and Development Procedures in Ghana: A Case Study of Kumasi

“…Nonetheless, there are different procedures in acquiring the different types of lands. In all, there are four different divisions in the lands commission, that is, the Public and Vested Land Management Division (PVLMD), the Land Registration Division (LTD), the Survey and Mapping Division (SMD) and the Land Valuation Division (LVD) that a prospective purchaser has to deal with (Appau, 2018). Though there are clear procedures that one goes through to acquire public lands, there are some challenges that are associated with some of the stages of acquisition.…”

“…This condition is used by some dishonest chiefs to continue selling the same plot of property twice to different buyers, which frequently results in land disputes and strife. Repetition of functions which results in the prolongation of the procedure of acquiring land is the final challenge to be discussed (Appau, 2018). For instance, as mentioned in the first challenge, the elders from the palace visit the location.…”