Rights Recognition and Community Relations in Coastal Ghanaian Land Tenure Systems: Comparative Perspectives in Djibouti Territorial Communities

This study examines land tenure systems in coastal Ghanaian communities and their parallels in Djibouti territorial communities, focusing on rights recognition and community relations. A qualitative comparative study was conducted in both Ghanaian and Djibouti coastal areas, involving interviews with community leaders and customary court officials to gather insights into their decision-making processes regarding land disputes. In both regions, there is a significant emphasis on customary courts in resolving land tenure issues, with decisions often influenced by traditional customs and local laws. The proportion of cases resolved through customary courts was found to be over 80%. The study concludes that community relations are deeply intertwined with the recognition of rights within these land tenure systems, highlighting the importance of both legal frameworks and cultural practices in resolving disputes. Recommendations include fostering dialogue between traditional authorities and modern legal institutions to ensure a balanced approach to addressing contemporary land issues while preserving traditional customs.