Digital Land Information Systems and Land Dispute Management: A Systematic Review of Evidence on Digitization, Transparency, And Conflict Reduction in Ghana

Land administration in Ghana has long been characterized by inefficiencies, limited transparency, and persistent disputes arising from complex tenure systems and weak documentation processes. In recent years, digital land information systems have been introduced as part of broader reforms aimed at improving land governance outcomes. This study systematically reviews existing evidence on the role of digital land information systems in enhancing transparency and reducing land disputes in Ghana. Using a structured systematic review approach, relevant literature published between 2020 and 2025 was identified, screened, and analyzed to synthesize key findings across studies. The results show that digitization has significantly improved administrative efficiency by streamlining workflows, enhancing record management, and reducing delays in land registration processes. Digital systems have also contributed to improved transparency by increasing access to land information and enabling traceability of transactions. However, the findings reveal that the impact of digitalization on land dispute reduction remains limited. While disputes related to documentation and transaction ambiguity have decreased, conflicts arising from customary land tenure systems, overlapping claims, and institutional fragmentation persist. The study further highlights that the effectiveness of digital land systems depends on factors such as data quality, system integration, and stakeholder inclusiveness. Emerging technologies such as blockchain offer promising opportunities to enhance transparency and trust, but their adoption remains constrained by technical and regulatory challenges. The study concludes that digital land information systems are essential for modernizing land administration but must be complemented by institutional reforms and inclusive governance approaches to achieve sustainable conflict reduction.