Accra: Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has directed the newly formed board of the Greater Accra Region Lands Commission to tackle illegal multiple land sales and landguard activities in the region. The Minister emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to facilitate investment opportunities.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Buah highlighted that illegal encroachments, landguardism, boundary disputes, unauthorized constructions on waterways, land-related litigations, and overall indiscipline have been hindering investments in the region. He urged the new board to address these challenges promptly and effectively. The directive was given during the inauguration of the newly constituted board in Accra.
Mr Buah committed to collaborating with security agencies to enforce land legislation, ensuring order in the land sector. The 31-member board, chaired by Isaac Nii Djanmah Vanderpuye, a former deputy Greater Accra Regional Minister, has a mandate of four years to enhance land administration in the region. Her Ladyship Evylen Asamoah, a High Court Judge, administered the Oath of Office, Allegiance, and Secrecy to the board members.
The Lands Minister encouraged the board to work diligently to digitize land records and offer efficient land services to Ghanaians. He stressed the importance of professionalism, honesty, integrity, and efficiency in managing land across the region. The Minister further instructed the board to guide local and traditional authorities on policy frameworks, development planning, land-use suitability, and comprehensive land development recommendations.
Professor Anthony Owusu-Ansah, Acting Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, noted that 80 percent of the region’s challenges were land-related. He urged the board to address these issues rigorously. Madam Linda Ocloo, the Regional Minister, emphasized the critical role of land in development initiatives and encouraged the board to prevent improper land use to attract investment.
Isaac Nii Djanmah Vanderpuye, on behalf of the board members, expressed gratitude to the President for the trust placed in them and committed to ensuring efficient land delivery services in the region.