"$165 Million needed to digitally map Ghana’s land" – Lands and Natural Minister

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has emphasized the urgent need for a $165 million investment to digitally map Ghana’s land, describing the initiative as a game-changer for the country’s land administration system.

Speaking during a working visit to the new headquarters of the Lands Commission in Accra on Tuesday, the fifth-term Member of Parliament said the digital mapping project would eliminate the inefficiencies associated with the current manual system and significantly reduce opportunities for corruption.

“The current system is too slow, cumbersome, and vulnerable. A digital system will speed up surveying and mapping processes, help locate land quickly, reduce paperwork, and ultimately boost government revenue,” the Minister stated.

He also addressed long-standing public perceptions of corruption within the Lands Commission, acknowledging the concerns but disagreeing with the general notion that the institution is among the most corrupt in Ghana.

According to him, the focus should rather be on strengthening the Commission’s core functions and introducing reforms to enhance transparency and efficiency.

Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah used the visit to engage management and staff of the Commission, listen to their concerns, and explore collaborative solutions to improve the sector.

He reiterated his commitment to working closely with the Commission to bring Ghana’s land administration into the digital era.

“The Lands Commission plays a critical role in national development. We cannot talk about transformation without modernizing how we manage our land resources,” he stressed.

The proposed digital mapping initiative, once implemented, is expected to redefine land ownership and administration in Ghana, ensuring more secure, transparent, and efficient systems for both citizens and investors.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith