Focus Areas

1. Project Land Identification

2. Analysis of the land tenure dynamics and predominant land rights in the proposed project location

We conduct of scoping of traditional areas where proposed project land is located. The outcome of this scoping will provide investor with the background and context of the proposed project area, the land systems, the traditional governance arrangements and how it influences the land acquisition process, the social organization of the project communities and its implications for the proposed project, risk factors to be aware off and recommendations on how to mitigate those risks, etc. This initial scoping and the report are crucial for the decision to move into the area or not, and if the decision is to move on with the project, equip the investor with the strategies to handle the engagements. It will help the investor;

  • have a detailed understanding of the customary land arrangements of the project area and how this informs the land acquisition 

  • have an understanding of the national policy framework within which the local arrangement is situated.

  • Better understand and identify the appropriate traditional authorities to engage with for the land to be acquired and how to facilitate those engagements

  • Understand the typology of land rights and land uses in the traditional area

3. Stakeholder analysis and development of a stakeholder map for the proposed land-based investment

This will help the investor to have a good overview of the key stakeholders of the project and the nature of their stake and therefore how to engage them to build the social legitimacy for the project

4. Facilitate effective entry to project area and engagements with project stakeholders

for sustained collaboration with local communities towards project implementation. Building social legitimacy is at core of the handling of the entry and engagements at the project area level.

5. Facilitate dialogue with traditional leaders and all identifiable stakeholders

for sustained collaboration with local communities towards project implementation. Building social legitimacy is at core of the handling of the entry and engagements at the project area level.

6. Surveying and Mapping of Project Land

COLANDEF is not a land surveying company. However, we facilitate the mobilization and participation of community members in the demarcation of the boundaries for the project land. This is to ensure that there is community involvement and approval for the land acquisition. And, it is also to ensure that any potential boundary disputes with any boundary sharing communities, if they exist, are handled from the very onset.

7. Lease Process

Provide technical advice in the lease process; review of the lease and facilitate the registration process. We provide guidance in organizing all the relevant documents to support the application for registration of the lease.

8. Compilation of Land Rights Inventory

A data base of all land users who are in occupation of the any part of the proposed project land. The inventory of all existing land users is a very important for the project for a number of reasons. It helps in the registration of the lease to the land, it helps in managing the discussions on any compensation that may have to be paid for damaged crops, it also fulfils a number of international standards for responsible investments.

9. Facilitate to compensation process

In cases where some affected persons need to be compensated in line with the national laws and the international standards, COLANDEF facilitates the entire process.

10. Technical support in setting up communication strategy and grievance mechanism in project area

COLANDEF provides the guide and backstopping in setting up a strong communication arrangement and grievance system in the project area. This is so important to ensure that the social legitimacy that is built will be sustained throughout the lifetime of the project. 

11. Facilitate the entry and mobilization for other Consultants

As the land acquisition process gets done and registration is underway, there will be the preparation of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, the Livelihood Restoration, Resettlement and Compensation Framework, among others. While COLANDEF may not be the consultant to undertake these other steps, we support with our community mobilization and engagement skills to ensure that the outcome of each of those activities reinforces the gains and sustains the social legitimacy status obtained. This is especially important when consultants are not Ghanaians. 

12. Facilitating the establishment of Grievance mechanisms

13. Training, Coaching and Mentoring of project teams and consulting experts