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.