In a bid to enhance service delivery and ensure efficiency, the Central Regional Lands Commission held a two-day skill training workshop for its staff from 9th to 10th October 2024. The training took place at the Central Regional Coordinating Council Banquet Hall in Cape Coast, and it was mandatory for all staff members across the Commission’s divisions.
The first day commenced with an address by Mr. John Zida, Esq., Head of the Deeds Registry, who provided an in-depth presentation on the key provisions of the Lands Act, 2020 (Act 1036). His session covered the various types of conveyancing, critical elements to be reviewed in documents submitted for registration, as well as distinctions between registrable and non-registrable instruments. He also educated participants on the importance of approved local plans and the legal requirement for Oath of Proof in indentures.
Following Mr. Zida’s presentation, Surv. Charles Agana, Head of the Land Valuation Division, gave an overview of his division’s functions. He provided detailed information on stamp duty assessments, the rationale behind inspecting all assignment cases, and the necessity for documents to be stamped prior to submission for registration.
On the second day, Surv. Dr. Ing. Ebenezer Gyamerah focused on the critical role of land surveyors in court cases and emphasized the need for surveyors to provide written reports when involved in legal proceedings. He was followed by Principal Lands Officer, Ms. Dora Adadey, from the Public and Vested Land Management Division (PVLMD), who gave a comprehensive overview of the division’s functions and highlighted essential items to be checked in all indentures submitted for registration.
Mr. Isaac Oppong, representing the Office of Administration of Stool Lands (OASL), provided insights into ground rent assessments and explained how ground rent proceeds are distributed in accordance with constitutional provisions. He also emphasized the importance of adhering to proper protocols in handling ground rent matters.
The Head of Survey and Mapping Division (SMD), Surv. Baba Zakaria Salifu, concluded the technical sessions with an overview of the division’s duties. He distinguished between certified and cadastral plans and outlined the steps for verifying the authenticity of plans submitted for registration. He cautioned staff against facilitating or accepting forged signatures, warning of legal consequences for any fraudulent actions.
The final presentation was delivered by Mr. Ebenezer Oduro-Agyei, who educated participants on best practices for record keeping, filing, and tracking the movement of documents within the office.
The program, coordinated by Surv. Clement Aboagye-Larbi, Esq., saw representation from all divisions of the Commission. Staff members expressed their appreciation for the training and called for more frequent sessions to ensure continuous improvement in service delivery.
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CENTRAL REGION COMMS UPDATE
