The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, on Monday, inaugurated a 13-member board of the North East Regional Lands Commission, charging them to uphold transparency, grassroots engagement, and stakeholder collaboration in the region’s land administration.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Minister underscored the strategic significance of the board, which comprises representatives from traditional authorities, civil society, professional bodies, district assemblies etc—ensuring that no key stakeholder is left out.
“This is one of the most important boards because it brings together all the key players. Nobody has been left out,” the Minister noted. “And this should tell you that you have a critical role to play—not for personal interests, but to represent the people and serve the national interest.”
He tasked the board to become facilitators for investment by streamlining land registration processes and protecting natural resources.
Emphasizing the role of land in national development, the Minister stated: “You cannot do anything meaningful without land—be it a school, hospital, or business. That is why you must support government projects that require land and guard against those who come to exploit our resources.”
The Deputy Minister called on the board to move away from the “business as usual” approach and instead implement proactive public education campaigns, especially through community radio, to demystify the land registration process.
“I shouldn’t travel from one town to another to register land, only to be told I should’ve brought my Ghana Card. If people are properly informed, they’ll come prepared,” he said, urging board members to take information to the people and not wait passively at their desks.
He also recommended decentralizing documentation collection, suggesting that trained land officers at the district level could gather and forward applications, thereby reducing costs and enhancing efficiency.
The Minister disclosed that government is actively working with stakeholders and potential investors to secure the estimated $165 million required to modernize Ghana’s land administration system.
He ended by congratulating the newly appointed board members and officially declaring the North East Regional Lands Commission Board duly inaugurated.
On his part, the North East Regional Minister, Ibrahim Tiah, has cautioned newly inaugurated members of the North East Regional Lands Commission to steer clear of any conflict of interest in the discharge of their duties.
Mr. Tiah emphasized the need for integrity, transparency, and fairness in land administration, urging members to excuse themselves from deliberations involving disputes they may have personal ties to.
“Let’s avoid conflict of interest,” he stated firmly. “If you come from a community that is involved in a land dispute and you know you are directly or indirectly connected, when the matter comes before the board, kindly recuse yourself. Otherwise, any decision or role you play may be questioned and pinned to you.”
Mr. Tiah further encouraged continuous collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, including traditional leaders, community members, and government agencies, to ensure that land issues are handled in a manner that fosters peace and development.
His remarks come as government intensifies efforts to streamline land administration across the country and reduce tensions stemming from unresolved land disputes
The following individuals make up the board;
- Lawyer Issah Kaponde – Chairman
- Yaw Danso Boateng – Secretary, Lands Commission
- Rashid Wemah – Land Use and Spatial Planning
- Surv. Alex Sarfo – Ghana Institute of Surveyors
- Chief Abdulai Sibri – Farmers / Fishermen Association
- Mumuni Yahaya – Assembly Representative
- Babont Yennu – Assembly Representative
- Bukari Ibrahim – Assembly Representative
- Saibu Akuwah Nanyuni – Assembly Representative
- Yidana Baba – Assembly Representative
- Iddrisu Moses Kofi-KA – Assembly Representative
- Lawyer Sampson Bikilati Lambon – Ghana Bar Association
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