The dynamics of land-based financing in Ghana: An institutional perspective for implementation.

In recent years, most sub-Saharan African cities have been urged to leverage the rising land values resulting from rapid urbanization through the instruments of land-based financing (LBF) to finance basic infrastructure projects. However, a significant concern of LBF in the Global South has been its limited application due to institutional and technical challenges. The study examined how institutional structures and legal frameworks in Ghana influence the implementation and effectiveness of LBF mechanisms and the role capacity building, technological infrastructure and stakeholder engagement play in enhancing the operational effectiveness and public acceptance of LBF in Ghana. Using the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana as a case study, interviews were conducted with urban planners, policy makers, developers, local government officials and key informants and content analysis was used to analyse LBF policy documents. Key findings highlight significant legal gaps in the legal frameworks governing LBF, which can result in inconsistent application across municipalities and undermine revenue generation. Additionally, the study highlights the challenges of property valuation and tax collection due to inadequate and targeted capacity building programs for staff, technological infrastructure deficiencies, ineffective interagency collaboration, and limited stakeholder engagement, which ultimately affects the legitimacy and success of LBF initiatives. The study recommends the implementation LBF through legislative reforms, capacity-building programs, technological infrastructure investments, and interagency collaboration, emphasizing stakeholder engagement and transparent communication for effective implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]