Like many African countries, Ghana operates a pluralistic land tenure system – customary and state ownership exist conterminously. Land-use planning is largely a state function, but the involvement of chiefs who are custodians of about 78% of the lands is significant. The main aim of this paper is to examine how customary land ownership affects land-use change. This was done by specifically examining (i) the causes of selected land-use changes, and (ii) chieftaincy sustenance in relation to land ownership and land-use change. The study uses primarily qualitative approaches, with an in-depth study of multiple cases in Kumasi. Data were collected from several sources through face-to-face interviews, documentary reviews, observation, and focus group discussions. Data were analysed using the content analytical approach via the aid of Atlas ti, a qualitative analysis tool. The study’s major contribution to land-use planning and urban governance is the chieftaincy sustenance which came out as a crucial factor for land-use change. Other factors include increasing land values, urbanisation, land ownership disputes, and the government’s mal-handling of acquired lands. The customary land ownership system being embedded in African societies means that chieftaincy continues to be powerful in the management of the cities. Thus, chieftaincy sustenance should be a matter of concern in urban planning and governance. We call for increased collaboration between the traditional authorities and the State systems to actively govern land-use planning at the local government level.

与许多非洲国家一样，加纳实行多元化的土地保有权制度——习惯所有权和国家所有权同时存在。土地使用规划在很大程度上是一项国家职能，但作为约 78% 土地监护人的酋长的参与意义重大。本文的主要目的是研究传统土地所有权如何影响土地利用变化。这是通过具体检查 (i) 选定土地利用变化的原因，以及 (ii) 与土地所有权和土地利用变化相关的酋长维持生计来完成的。该研究主要使用定性方法，对库马西的多个案例进行了深入研究。数据是通过面对面访谈、文件审查、观察和焦点小组讨论从多个来源收集的。借助内容分析法分析数据Atlas ti，定性分析工具。该研究对土地利用规划和城市治理的主要贡献是酋长的生计，它是土地利用变化的一个关键因素。其他因素包括土地价值上涨、城市化、土地所有权纠纷以及政府对征用土地的不当处理。根植于非洲社会的传统土地所有权制度意味着酋长制在城市管理中继续发挥着强大的作用。因此，酋长的生计应该是城市规划和治理中关注的问题。我们呼吁加强传统当局与国家系统之间的合作，以积极管理地方政府层面的土地使用规划。