The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Yusif Sulemana, has inaugurated the Ashanti Regional Lands Commission Board, charging it to ensure the efficient use of land in the region.
Mr Sulemana urged the 50-member board to be diligent in the discharge of their duties because effective land administration was key to the economic transformation of the country.
He added that proper administration of the country’s lands would enable the government and the private sector to spread the needed development across the nation to create jobs for the unemployed and grow the economy.
“For instance, if an investor is coming into a community to invest and is able to register the land on which the project will be located within the shortest possible time, the investor will be able bring in the investment, leading to the creation of numerous direct and indirect jobs” he said.
The board, which is chaired by Baffour Owusu Bediako, the Paramount Chief of Asante Akyem Domeabra Traditional Area, was sworn in last Wednesday (July 2) by the Supervising High Court Judge in the Ashanti Region, Justice Hannah Taylor.
Revenue generation
Mr Sulemana added that when investors were able to acquire lands, register them with ease leading to the establishment of their respective businesses, they would pay the required taxes in the form of revenue to the government.
Therefore, he stated that the role of the regional boards of the Land Commission in the smooth land and title registration was key in opening up the country for investments, saying “the role of the board is essential and strategic as it will facilitate the establishment of more businesses, leading to the payment of more taxes to the state for national development”.
Access to credit
He underscored the importance of properly registered lands and properties in accessing credit from financial institutions to fund businesses and projects, and that the inability of individuals to have titles on lands and properties would make it difficult to access loans from banks.
He told the members of the board that if they were able to play their roles well there would be an improvement in the agricultural sector, real estate industry and other sectors towards improving the economy for the benefit of Ghanaians.
He used the occasion to commend the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for setting up a secretariat to assist in land administration in the region and further called on traditional leaders in other regions to emulate the example to address challenges confronting land administration in the country.
Clear indication
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, said the board’s inauguration was a clear indication of the government’s commitment to strengthening the land governance and ensuring that management of lands was responsive and transparent.
He said many of the conflicts and disputes often handled by the Regional Security Council, be it chieftaincy related, boundary issues or even community unrest were often rooted in land ownership and access.
“We expect you to collaborate closely with the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), traditional councils and other relevant agencies to ensure that land use aligns with our physical and economic development plans”, Dr Amoakohene said.
Other speakers
In a remark, Justice Taylor after swearing in the members, cautioned them against sharing the board’s information and other documents on social media as they would be guilty of an offence under the Electronic Transaction Act.
On behalf of the board, Baffour Bediako said having had the privilege of serving on the immediate past board, he would bring valuable lessons learnt and insightful experiences to bear to assist the board to deliver on its mandate.
Writer’s email; [email protected].