Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Yussif Sulemana
The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Yussif Sulemana, has cautioned the newly inaugurated members of the Oti Regional Lands Commission Board to ensure that land does not become a bottleneck to development but rather a catalyst for growth. He made this statement during the official inauguration of the board in Dambai on May 22, 2025.
Delivering his address on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Deputy Minister congratulated the newly appointed members and charged them with upholding integrity, professionalism, and transparency in all their dealings.
The inauguration marked a significant step in Ghana’s decentralization agenda, aiming to bring land administration closer to the people. Sulemana emphasized the critical role land governance plays in national development, especially in supporting the envisioned 24-hour economy through secure land rights, quick transactions, and effective land-use planning.
He further highlighted the government’s commitment to digitizing land records through the Enterprise Land Information System (ELIS), urging the Commission to fully embrace this innovation to enhance efficiency and reduce corruption. He also called on members to work closely with traditional leaders in establishing Customary Land Secretariats, in line with the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), to ensure proper documentation and protection of customary lands.
On behalf of the Volta Regional Minister and Chairman for the occasion, John Kwadwo Gakpa described the inauguration as a historic milestone. He lauded the collaborative efforts that led to its success and encouraged the Commission to remain accountable and transparent in service delivery, adding, “Every parcel of land must be properly registered and managed responsibly.”
Nana Mprah Besemuna III, who chairs the newly inaugurated Commission, expressed gratitude to the President and the Lands Commission for the opportunity. He pledged the board’s commitment to working closely with stakeholders to improve land services and foster development in the region.
The inauguration of the Oti Regional Lands Commission is expected to strengthen local governance, improve public access to land services, and promote sustainable land management for the socio-economic advancement of the region.
Members of the board include:
Nana Mprah Besemuna III – Chairman
Yaw Acheampong Amoah – Acting Regional Lands Officer (Secretary)
Gadzekpo Emmanuel – Ghana National Association of Fishermen & Farmers
Felix Kwamla Seloame – LUPSA
Nana Akoto Musakyi III – Regional House of Chiefs
Cyril Gadegbeku – Ghana Institution of Surveyors
John Mark Bekoe – Ghana Bar Association (GBA)
Anebo Philip Kwaku – Nkwanta South Municipal
Akopor Wiah Nathaniel – Krachi West Municipal
Ladzi Emmanuel – Krachi East Municipal
George Grant Dogli – Jasikan Municipal
Nana Sampson Fordjour – Krachi Nchumuru District
Richard Opoku – Biakoye District
Fankibi Joseph – Kadjebi District
Silas Atikpo Brownson – Guan District
Musah Mumuni Basit – Nkwanta North District