The Advisory Select Committee on Lands and Natural Resources, led by Hon. Israel Ackah Esq. has held a high-level engagement with the Lands Commission on Monday, 29th September, 2025, at their head office to deliberate on reforms aimed at strengthening land administration and addressing challenges in the natural resources sector.
The delegation was received by the Chairman of the Commission, Surv. Dr. Wordsworth Odame-Larbi, the Acting Executive Secretary, Surv. Prof. Anthony Owusu-Ansah, the two Deputy Executive Secretaries, Divisional Directors, and other senior management members.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Ackah highlighted the urgency of introducing pragmatic measures to resolve longstanding challenges in the sector. He emphasized the need for bold interventions to address rising land litigation cases and the spread of illegal mining. According to him, “A five-year moratorium coupled with a 25% revenue increase could provide a stronger financial base to tackle these challenges.”
The Lands Commission, in an insightful presentation done by the Deputy Executive Secretary in charge of Operations, Surv.Anthony Mallen-Ntiador outlined an ambitious reform agenda, with a strong focus on digitization. Currently, only 10% of Ghana’s land is registered, a situation that management described as worrying.
Surv. Prof. Owusu-Ansah disclosed that the Commission’s goal is to achieve full digitization of land records in Accra within the short term before extending the system nationwide. He added that plans are underway to reduce the land registration process to a maximum of 30 days.
To realize this vision, the Commission appealed for sustainable funding, proposing either direct government support or approval to retain 100% of its internally generated revenue to finance critical technology and infrastructure upgrades.
Management also revealed efforts to implement a nationwide Enterprise Land Information System and a staff retention strategy to ensure trained professionals remain with the institution.
Salary disparities were raised as another pressing concern, with management stressing that competitive remuneration is essential to sustaining a motivated and professional workforce.
The Committee commended the Commission’s reform agenda and assured management of its support in advocating policies that will strengthen Ghana’s land administration system.
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