Deputy Lands Minister cuts sod for Savannah Regional lands commission office complex

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi, Hon. Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, has cut the sod for the construction of a two-storey office complex for the Savannah Regional Lands Commission.

The project, scheduled for completion within 12 months, aims to provide a permanent, modern office space to enhance the operational efficiency of the Commission, which currently operates from a temporary facility deemed inadequate by the Deputy Minister.

Addressing stakeholders at the sod-cutting ceremony, Hon. Sulemana underscored the importance of the Lands Commission in promoting peace and development through effective land administration.

He noted that many land disputes in communities could be avoided with proper demarcation and registration of lands.

“If the Lands Commission performs its duties effectively, many land-related conflicts among friends and neighbors will be resolved. The Commission plays a crucial role in ensuring land security, which is essential for both local development and attracting foreign investors,” he stated.

He further highlighted the economic implications of poor land documentation, stressing that entrepreneurs often struggle to secure loans due to the inability to present proper land titles as collateral.

The Deputy Minister also disclosed that the Lands Commission has submitted a proposal to the Ministry indicating that $165 million is required to fully digitize the country’s land administration system.

He assured the public that the Ministry will collaborate with the private sector to mobilize the necessary funding.

Hon. Sulemana warned the contractor, CK Engineering Ltd., against delivering substandard work.

He pledged to make unannounced visits to monitor progress and stated that the Ministry would terminate the contract if the project falls short of expectations.

However, he assured that exceptional work would earn the contractor future recommendations.

Surv. Adu Nsafuah, Deputy Executive Secretary in charge of Operations at the Lands Commission, revealed that this project is part of a broader initiative outlined in the Commission’s five-year strategic plan to establish permanent offices in all 16 administrative regions.

Currently, only four regions have purpose-built Lands Commission offices, while the rest operate from rented premises, posing financial and logistical challenges.

“This office marks the first such facility for any of the six newly created regions,” Mr. Nsafuah noted. “We believe that providing a conducive working environment is essential, as staff spend most of their productive hours at work.”

He assured the Deputy Minister and stakeholders that the project would be completed on time and to the highest standards.

The ceremony was graced by the Savannah Regional Minister, the West Gonja Municipal Chief Executive, traditional authorities, key stakeholders, and staff of the Lands Commission.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is yet to announce timelines for similar projects in the remaining regions.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith