The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Sulemana Yussif, has inaugurated the Volta Regional Lands Commission with a charge to its members to transform land administration into an enabler of economic activity, not a barrier.
Addressing stakeholders at the Volta Regional Coordinating Council in Ho, the Deputy Minister stressed that secure land rights, transparent transactions, and responsive land services are vital for Ghana’s 24-hour economy agenda.
“Land services must not frustrate investment—they must fuel productivity,” he said. “This Commission must lead a shift where land administration becomes a catalyst for growth across agriculture, tourism, housing, and commerce.”
The Commission, established under Article 258 of the 1992 Constitution and operationalized through the Lands Commission Act, 2008 (Act 767), is mandated to manage public lands, advise government on land policy, promote sound land use planning, and protect customary land rights.
The Deputy Minister urged the newly sworn-in members to uphold professionalism, integrity, and service delivery. He emphasized the importance of decentralizing the land registration process to reduce the turnaround time for land transactions in the region.
“We must bring services closer to the people,” he said. “Reducing delays in processing land documents is crucial to encouraging investment and reducing land disputes. The Commission must work to ensure that the people of the Volta Region enjoy faster, simpler, and more transparent land services.”
He also encouraged close collaboration with traditional authorities and the establishment of Customary Land Secretariats in line with the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), to ensure proper documentation and reduce land-related disputes.
Government, he noted, remains committed to clamping down on land guardism and encroachment, and called for vigilance from Commission members.
The Chief Director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, Hon Augustus Awity, who represented the Regional Minister, chaired the event and called the inauguration a strategic move toward strengthening institutional land governance in the region. “You are now custodians of the public trust in land administration. Serve with dignity, transparency, and fairness,” he advised.
Also present at the ceremony were the Acting Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, Surv. Prof. Anthony Owusu-Ansah; the Acting Deputy Executive Secretary, Surv. Anthony Mallen Ntiador; the Director of the Survey and Mapping Division, Naa Seidu Zakari; and the Head of the Regional Operations Unit, Mr. Raphael Hokey. All commended the formation of the regional body and pledged their support for its success..
Mr. Divine Fiakpui-Dzahini, the elected Chairman of the Commission, pledged to lead the team with focus, collaboration, and dedication to serving the public good.
Following the speeches, the newly appointed members took their oath of allegiance. Below is the full list of members and their representations:
Members of the Volta Regional Lands Commission (2025)
Chairman
- Divine Fiakpui-Dzahini
Secretary (Regional Lands Officer – Volta Region)
- Mark Enamevo Gudu
District Representatives
- Hon. Detsikey Hope Kwasi – Ketu North
- Dr. David Esinu Yao Normanyo – Anloga
- Jacob Kwabla Nyasorgbor – Akatsi South
- Patrick Kwame Ahianu – Akatsi North
- Godwin Kudadze – Kando Municipal
- Togbe Agbobada IV – Adaklu
- Angela Aseye Attachie – Ho Municipal
- Wonder Japhet Sallah – Keta Municipal
- Jonas Kodjo Anyadi – South Dayi
- Gideon Gogah – North Dayi
- Mensah Kwaku Kudze – South Tongu
- Gabriel Akpaku – North Tongu
- Moses Awukuvi Danyevor – Central Tongu
- Hon. Charles Gbagbo – Ho West
- Adzaho Michael Komla – Agotime Ziope
- Daniel Jerry Sorokpo – Ketu South
- Peter Afenyo (Togbe Kpega) – Afadzato South
- Hon. Gabriel Agbesi – Hohoe Municipal
Institutional and Professional Representatives
- Helen Adjavon – Ghana National Association of Farmers & Fishermen Representative
- Surv. Shadrack Yao Deafeamekpor – Institution of Surveyors
- Emmanuel M. Osae – Volta Regional House of Chiefs
- Emile Atsu Agbakpe Esq. – Ghana Bar Association
- Benjamin Mensah – Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority
The Deputy Minister, in his closing remarks, declared the Volta Regional Lands Commission “duly inaugurated”, urging all members to serve with innovation, integrity, and impact for the benefit of the people of the Volta Region and the nation at large.
After the formal inauguration, the Acting Executive Secretary, Surv. Prof. Anthony Owusu-Ansah, and the Acting Deputy Executive Secretary, Surv. Anthony Mallen Ntiador, took the opportunity to engage with staff of the Volta Regional Lands Commission. The interaction provided a platform for staff to share their concerns, operational challenges, and ideas for improving service delivery. The national leadership assured them of their support and commitment to addressing the issues raised and strengthening the region’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.
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