Let’s adopt corrective, not curative measures to solve land related conflicts in Ghana - Worlase Kpeli

The Member of Parliament for Kwahu Afram Plains North, Worlase Kpeli, has raised concerns over the country's reliance on curative approaches in addressing land disputes, arguing that this approach has only fueled increasing conflicts across Ghana.

According to him, Ghana should adopt a corrective approach that focuses on identifying the root causes of land disputes and implementing measures to prevent their recurrence, rather than merely reacting to conflicts.

"As a country, in my view, we are mostly interested in curative measures rather than corrective ones that would prevent such disputes from arising in the first place. We cannot discuss indigenous conflicts in Ghana without addressing land and boundary disputes. In other parts of Africa, land administration systems alone have successfully resolved many tribal conflicts. However, in Ghana, we focus on the conflicts themselves rather than addressing their root causes.

"When we look at conflicts such as Nkonya-Alavanyo and Peki-Tsito, they are largely the result of land disputes. If we could implement clear demarcations for traditional areas and tribal boundaries, we would be significantly reducing these conflicts,” he stated.

Hon. Kpeli, an independent legislator, made these remarks on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, while contributing to a statement by Geoffrey Kini, the MP for Nkwanta South, regarding recent violent clashes between ethnic groups over land disputes.

As a legal practitioner, Kpeli observed that while other countries have successfully resolved land-related conflicts after learning from Ghana’s land administration system, Ghana itself has failed to fully implement its own legal frameworks.

"Mr. Speaker, countries have come to Ghana, studied our land administration system, and used mediation and conciliation to establish clear boundaries. Yet, we have failed to maximize our own laws to resolve these disputes,” he remarked.

He, therefore, called on the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to take decisive action in resolving land conflicts nationwide.

Additionally, he criticized the longstanding practice of deploying security forces to quell conflicts, only for tensions to resurface once the security personnel withdraw. Instead, he urged the government, through the relevant ministry, to take proactive steps toward a lasting resolution.

"It is time we take real steps to resolve these disputes before they escalate. As a House, we must formulate policies that instill a strong sense of boundary discipline among our people.

I would be pleased if the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources intervenes immediately by engaging traditional leaders. From what I know about tradition, even long-standing disputes can be resolved and incorporated into the customs of the next generation. If we adopt this approach nationwide, we will be tackling the root causes of many conflicts,” Hon. Kpeli emphasized.