"Work collaboratively to ensure efficient land administration" - Deputy Lands Minister to newly reconstituted Ashanti Regional Lands Commission

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Bole, Hon. Yusif Sulemana, has inaugurated the newly reconstituted Ashanti Regional Lands Commission, calling on members to work collaboratively to ensure efficient land administration and play a critical role in the fight against illegal mining in the region.

Speaking on behalf of the sector minister, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, during a ceremony held at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council in Kumasi, the Deputy Minister applauded the outgoing Commissioners for their service and welcomed the new appointees, urging them to uphold the Commission's constitutional mandate.

He emphasised the crucial role of the Lands Commission in national development as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution and the Lands Commission Act, 2008 (Act 767), which mandates the body to promote the judicious use of land and ensure sustainable development in line with national goals.

“The land sector is fundamental to the economic transformation agenda of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama,” Hon. Sulemana noted.

“You are coming in at a time when the Commission is expected to be more innovative and responsive to the changing demands of land governance.”

Addressing Land Challenges and Galamsey

While acknowledging the Ashanti Region’s strategic importance in terms of agriculture, mining, commerce, and real estate, the Deputy Minister also expressed concern over increasing land degradation caused by illegal small-scale mining activities, commonly known as ‘galamsey’.

“These activities have destroyed arable farmlands and polluted major water bodies, especially in the Amansie and Asante Akim districts,” he lamented.

"The government is committed to eradicating this menace, and I urge the Commission, particularly MMDA representatives, to serve as agents of change in your districts.”

He also lauded the Manhyia Land Secretariat under the leadership of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for automating customary land administration, and recommended that similar models be adopted across other traditional areas.

Focus on Land Reforms and Revenue Mobilisation

Touching on reforms, Hon. Sulemana commended the progress made under the Ghana Land Administration Project (LAP I & II), including the establishment of Land Courts and a state-of-the-art Lands Commission office complex in Kumasi.

He mentioned the development of the Ghana Enterprise Land Information System (GELIS) aimed at automating service delivery to reduce delays in land registration and documentation.

“In fact, Ashanti Region ranks second in non-tax revenue mobilisation after the GRA,” he revealed, urging the new Commissioners to put in place robust mechanisms to further enhance resource mobilisation.

He also tasked the Commission to provide the Ministry with updates on the Denyame Nhyiaeso Redevelopment Scheme and to accelerate plans to expand land title registration beyond Greater Kumasi to boost tenure security and investor confidence.

Encroachments and Planning Challenges

The Deputy Minister expressed concern about growing encroachment on public lands in the Kumasi Metropolis and other districts, cautioning that such practices could derail government’s development plans.

He endorsed the Commission’s proposal to develop base maps for public lands along the Kumasi-Mampong, Kumasi-Sunyani, and Kumasi-Offinso corridors to support proper spatial planning and curb future encroachments.

He further applauded the completion of 3,600 rural parcel rights demarcation plans in selected pilot areas, calling for their adoption into mainstream land administration processes.

Call for Stakeholder Support

Hon. Sulemana encouraged traditional authorities to make land available for national development and reminded Commissioners of their advisory role to government and local authorities, especially in initiatives such as the redevelopment of inner cities and Zongo communities.

He concluded by assuring the Commission of the Ministry’s full support during their tenure.

“It is my singular honour to declare the Ashanti Regional Lands Commission duly inaugurated. Let us all put our shoulders to the wheel to deliver a modern, transparent, and inclusive land administration system,” he said.

The newly sworn-in Chairman of the Ashanti Regional Lands Commission, Baffour Owusu Bediako, has pledged to lead the Commission in a transformative direction, with a focus on improving service delivery, strengthening collaboration with traditional authorities, and ensuring that land administration in the region aligns with national development goals.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the reconstituted Ashanti Regional Lands Commission, Baffour Owusu Bediako, who previously served on the Commission as a representative of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the new capacity.

“I have gained valuable insight into the Commission’s operations over the past four years, and I am confident that this experience will guide my leadership as we work to improve turnaround time for document registration and ensure quality service delivery,” he stated.

Baffour Bediako acknowledged the constitutional mandate of the Lands Commission to advise government, local authorities, and traditional institutions on land use policy and development planning.

He emphasized that decisions taken by the Commission carry far-reaching consequences and must be handled with thoughtfulness and care.

“The Commission is a valuable and sensitive public institution. We must ensure that every decision is well thought through, and all tools and resources available to the country are considered to guide responsible land management,” he noted.

Commitment to Galamsey Fight and Traditional Authority Engagement

The Chairman commended the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Ashanti Regional Minister for their leadership, and lauded the efforts of traditional leaders—particularly Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II—for safeguarding customary land and leading reforms.

“As a traditional leader myself, I will work to ensure the Commission engages all traditional authorities to address violations and prevent future land disputes,” Baffour Bediako assured.

He called on stakeholders to support the Commission's work in addressing illegal mining (galamsey), land degradation, and poor spatial planning, noting that collaborative efforts are key to protecting the region’s land resources.

Ongoing Projects and Vision

Highlighting ongoing initiatives, Baffour Bediako revealed that the Commission is partnering with the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and the private sector under a land swap arrangement to facilitate the construction of over 220 administrative structures under the Commercial Sector 18 Road Development Project.

“It is my desire to see these buildings completed and allocated appropriately within my tenure,” he said.

He assured President John Dramani Mahama, the Ministry, and traditional authorities of the Commission’s commitment to executing its mandate with diligence, sincerity, and integrity.

“Let us all join forces to build a modern, transparent, and efficient land administration system for the benefit of our people and the development of the Ashanti Region,” Baffour Owusu Bediako concluded.

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking government officials, traditional rulers, members of the judiciary, and representatives from the Lands Commission and the media.

On his part, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has described the inauguration of the Ashanti Regional Lands Commission as a pivotal move towards strengthening land administration in the region.

Dr. Amoakohene emphasized that the initiative marks a major step in promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in land management, especially at a time when demand for land for infrastructure, housing, agriculture, and investment is on the rise.

“It is vital that we have a functional, responsive, and well-structured commission to guide this process,” he stated.

He urged the newly inaugurated members to carry out their duties with integrity and fairness, prioritizing the public interest and the broader vision of national development.

Dr. Amoakohene congratulated the members and expressed confidence in their ability to lead positive transformation in land governance across the Ashanti Region.

Taking his turn, the Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, Surv. Prof. Anthony Owusu-Ansah, hailed the inauguration of the Ashanti Regional Lands Board as a crucial milestone toward fully operationalizing the National Lands Commission.

Prof. Owusu-Ansah noted that with Ghana’s 16 regions all requiring representation on the National Lands Commission, the timely appointment of regional boards is key to strengthening land governance and ensuring the Commission’s effectiveness.

“As we gather to inaugurate the Ashanti Regional Lands Board, we're reminded that this milestone brings us closer to fully operationalizing the National Lands Commission,” he said.

“Their collective input is crucial for the Commission’s effectiveness. Today marks a significant step forward, and we look forward to completing the board's composition nationwide.”

He emphasized that the participation of all regional heads on the National Board will enhance strategic decision-making and ensure equitable land administration across the country.

The ceremony was attended by the Ashanti Regional Minister, High Court Justices, traditional leaders, MMDCES, officials of the Lands Commission

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith