The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP for Ellembele) has inaugurated the Western Regional Lands Commission Board in a ceremony held at the Western Regional Coordinating Council in Sekondi on Monday 12th May, 2025.
In his address, the Minister underscored the critical role of land in the socio-economic development of Ghana. He cited the Lands Commission Act, 2008 (Act 767) and the 1992 Constitution, which provides the legal framework for the establishment of Regional Lands Commissions, adding that the inauguration marked a constitutional fulfillment.
Hon. Buah emphasized the increasing challenges in land administration in the Western Region due to its vast natural resources, which continue to attract investors in sectors such as oil and gas, mining, timber, and agriculture. These investments, he noted, have given rise to multiple land claims and widespread litigation, some of which are currently under national security consideration.
Touching on specific concerns, the Minister mentioned illegal mining (galamsey), encroachment on public lands, and the activities of unlicensed surveyors and estate agents as key threats to sustainable land use in the region. He called on the newly sworn-in members to adopt proactive strategies and collaborate with stakeholders to address these issues.
He further urged the Commission to reduce the turnaround time for land registration to 30 working days, decentralize land services to the district level, and enforce strict supervision of staff to curb unprofessional conduct. He reminded the members of their constitutional mandate, including managing public lands, advising on land use planning, and supporting land title registration across the region.
Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson also commended the new board members and charged them to bring professionalism to bear in resolving land disputes that have long hindered development in the region. He stressed the need for collaboration with the judiciary and tasked the Commission to support local assemblies in securing land banks for investment and infrastructure development.
The Chairman of the Board, Prof. Boakye pledged the board’s commitment to addressing land litigation and enhancing collaboration with the Ministry where necessary. The board members were officially sworn in by taking the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Secrecy.
The newly inaugurated Western Regional Lands Commission Board includes:
- Prof. Frederick Boakye Yiadom– Chairman
- Dr. Pius Basoah Asumadu – Regional Lands Officer (Secretary)
- Pln. Mrs. Ama Akyire Akyina Ferkah – Representative, Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority
- Surv. Daniel Odotei Brown – Representative, Ghana Institution of Surveyors
- Constantine Kojo Mawuena Kudzedzi, Esq. – Representative, Ghana Bar Association
- Nana Kwesi Agyeman IX – Representative, Western Regional House of Chiefs
- Osman Awal – Prestea Huni Valley Municipal Assembly
- Dawood Mohammed Abdallah – Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Assembly
- Raphael Edem Fiave – Ellembelle District Assembly
- Benedict Boadi – Jomoro Municipal Assembly
- Abdul Majeed Iddrisu Nassam – Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly
- Matthis Coffie – Amenfi Central District Assembly
- Collins Mends Haizel – Ahanta West Municipal Assembly
- Saleh Wenchie – Representative, Regional Association of Farmers and Fishermen
- Musa Assuah Umar – Nzema East Municipal
- Priscilla Yorke – Wassa Amenfi West Municipal
- Frederick Faustinus Faidoo – Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly
- Peter Awugyan Obeng – Shama District Assembly
- Shine Fiagome – Representative, Environmental Protection Agency
- Bob Kwofie Francis – Mpohor-Fiasse District Assembly
- Maclean Tuah – Wassa Amenfi East Municipal Assembly
- Stephen Mensah Kwofie – Wassa East District Assembly
Also, in attendance were the Chief Director of the Ministry of Lands andNaturral Resources, Mr. Innocent Haligah, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, Hon. Kuukua Bissiw (MP for Ahanta West), Director of the Public and Vested Land Management Division (PVLMD) Surv. Mrs. Cynthia Odametey, the various divisional heads, and some staff of the Lands Commission.
The event also featured the administration of the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Secrecy to board members, officially ushering them into office.
The Minister closed the ceremony by declaring the board duly inaugurated and encouraged the members to serve with integrity, commitment, and a shared vision of transforming the Western Region into a thriving hub for business and investment.
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