Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has emphasized the critical role of an efficient land administration system in driving sustainable economic development, social cohesion, and fostering a vibrant investment climate in Ghana.
Speaking at the commissioning of the new Head Office building for the Lands Commission in Accra on Monday, Dr. Bawumia highlighted the government’s efforts over the past eight years to modernize Ghana’s land administration system.
He outlined a three-pronged approach focusing on infrastructure, digitalization, and capacity building for staff as the cornerstone of this transformation.
“A well-functioning land administration system is essential for sustainable economic development, social cohesion, and a vibrant investment climate,” Dr. Bawumia stated, underscoring the importance of land in the livelihoods of 90% of Ghanaians as estimated by the Ghana Statistical Service.
The Vice President lauded the completion of the state-of-the-art facility as a milestone in creating a conducive environment for efficient land management.
He also commended the Lands Commission for its strides in digitizing its operations, including online searches, electronic property appraisal systems, and automated land title certificates.
These measures, he noted, have streamlined processes, reduced delays, and enhanced transparency in land administration.
Dr. Bawumia stressed that full digitalization remains a priority, as it will eliminate inefficiencies such as missing files, extortion by middlemen, and delays in service delivery.
"When we achieve full digitalization, we will have a robust, efficient, and transparent land administration system that ensures orderly land management,” he stated.
He further urged the management of the Lands Commission to invest in staff training and capacity building, recognizing that skilled personnel are essential to sustaining the gains made in the sector.
The newly commissioned facility, which houses the Commission’s head office and the Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands, is expected to enhance service delivery and further the government's vision of a modern and efficient land administration system.
The Vice President expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including the current and former Executive Secretaries of the Lands Commission, contractors, and consultants, for their role in bringing the project to fruition.
He also commended the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, for his exemplary leadership in driving the initiative.
“This building stands as a testament to our collective commitment to modernizing land administration in Ghana,” Dr. Bawumia remarked, urging the Ministry and the Lands Commission to accelerate the implementation of reforms to meet the growing demand for quality land services.
On his part, Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, emphasized the significance of the project in ensuring efficient and transparent land administration, vital for national economic growth.
He lauded the Akufo-Addo administration’s commitment to reforming land services, citing ongoing digitization efforts, the passage of the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), and the deployment of advanced technologies such as drones for mapping.
The Vice President was commended for his pivotal role in championing these initiatives, including the introduction of the Enterprise Land Information System (ELIS) and the establishment of fully digitized regional offices.
The Minister also highlighted plans for 12 new regional offices and urged stakeholders to support pending legislative reforms, including the passage of Land Regulations.
The new head office marks a transformative step in land service delivery, aligning with Ghana’s digitalization agenda.
Taking his turn, Lawyer Alex Quaynor, Board Chairman, Lands Commission said "The commissioning of the Corporate Head Office of the Commission which we are here to witness follows after the recent commissioning of the New Greater Regional Office of the Commission which was performed by the Lands and Natural Resources Minister"
He also explained that the Lands Commission is one of the oldest institutions of the Government of the Republic of Ghana tracing it's roots to the survey department of the British Colonial administration of the Gold Coast.
The Commission as presently commissioned, he revealed was a merger of four separate public institutions in the land sector providing various services to the public and Government of Ghana
"Until now, the Corporate Head Office of the Commission occupied part of the office building of the Greater Accra Regional Lands Commission"
In his remarks, Surv. Benjamin Arthur, Executive Secretary, Lands Commission said "Your Excellency, over the past 4 years or so, the Lands Commission has made modest strides and efforts to improve service delivery and it's Corporate image"
While we have made some significant progress in digitising our operations in the area of Online Services, Payment Platforms, Consolidated Searches and lots more"
"We are still far away from being the centre of excellence, we desired to be. A lot more needs to be done"
"To improve service delivery and enhance our engagements with our clients, the Commission has established a complaint and advisory centre in the Greater Accra Region and desk in other regions"
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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