The Transformation of Property Rights in the Gold Coast
An Empirical Study Applying Rational Choice Theory

This book explores the political process by which property rights are defined and enforced.

Kathryn Firmin-Sellers (Author)

9780521039352, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 16 August 2007

216 pages, 9 b/w illus. 1 map
22.5 x 15.3 x 1.1 cm, 0.334 kg

"...Firmin-Sellers has written an interesting book that will please those who subscribe to a revisionist version of rational-choice theory....All readers will benefit from her thoughtful and well-researched exposition of the evolution of property rights in the Gold Coast." Robert Fatton, Jr., American Political Science

This book explores the political process by which property rights are defined and enforced in two traditional states in colonial Ghana. The case studies within the book ask how colonial institutions transformed indigenous political and economic life; and how colonization and decolonization affected prospects for future economic development and stability in Africa. The introductory chapter outlines a theory of the transformation of property rights systems. The remaining empirical chapters refine this theory through a detailed analysis of the transformation of property rights within an African context. These chapters draw explicitly on rational choice theories to analyse indigenous actors' attempts to redefine and enforce property rights to land by 'reinventing' the traditions of their respective communities. These theories help to understand why property rights systems across Africa remain fluid and insecure.

Series editors' preface
Preface
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction
Part I. The Institutions of the Colonial State: 2. The logic of indirect rule
Part II. The Reinvention of Tradition: the Evolution of Property Rights Under Indirect Rule: 3. Institutional failure in the Ga state
4. Institutional creation in Akyem Abuakwa: the politics of property rights
Part III. The Transition to Independent Government: 5. Redefining the institutions of central government: the writing of the Coussey Constitution
6. The return to the traditional state
7. Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Political economy [KCP]