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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Customary land-tenure system in Akyem-Abuakwa
Author:Addo-Fening, R.ISNI
Year:1987
Periodical:Universitas
Volume:9
Pages:95-107
Language:English
Geographic term:Ghana
Subjects:Akim polity
customary law
land law
Abstract:This paper examines the Akyem Abuakwa land tenure system in a historical context in order to provide some basis for the current debate about the relevance of the customary system to modern Ghana. Akyem Abuakwa's customary land tenure system was based on the principles of communalism and egalitarianism. The system emphasized corporate ownership, and 'adikrofo' (village chiefs) and 'mpakanfo' (divisional chiefs) were liable to destoolment for unauthorized alienation of family or stool lands. Proprietary right in land was based on the simple fact of first occupation of a portion of stool land, and was passed on after death to the matrilineal family. The amount of land that could be appropriated was limited only by the degree of one's industry. Customary land tenure in Akyem Abuakwa discriminated against noncitizens largely because such persons preferred to retain their original nationality and were under no obligation to share the responsibilities of citizenship, such as fighting in defence of Akyem Abuakwa or contributing to the defrayment of stool debts. Nana Ofori Atta's land tenure reforms of the early 20th century reaffirmed the traditional Akyem Abuakwa values of patriotism, collective responsibility and equity. Notes, ref.
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