The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Bole-Bamboi MP, Yusif Sulemana, has officially inaugurated the reconstituted board of the Oti Region Lands Commission.
He urged the board to implement an effective and efficient land administration system in the region.
The 16-member board, chaired by Nana Mprah Besemuna of the Kete-Krachi Traditional Council, was inaugurated during a ceremony highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing land administration in the area.
Among its mandates, the board is expected to reduce land registration time to 30 working days, lower the cost of land services by decentralising access to district offices, and prevent the unlawful conversion of stool and family lands, especially where such actions violate customary law.
The board is also tasked with collaborating with the management and staff of the Oti Regional Lands Commission to ensure diligence and efficiency.
During the inauguration, the minister emphasized the critical role of effective land management in national development.
He stated that the primary responsibility of the board would be to streamline land acquisition processes, resolve land disputes, and promote sustainable land use practices.
“The efficient administration of land resources is vital for economic growth, social stability, and environmental sustainability,” he said.
The Chairman, Nana Mprah Besemuna, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the board and acknowledged the challenges ahead.
He pledged to work collaboratively with fellow board members to tackle the pressing land issues in the Oti Region.
“Our goal is to create a transparent and accessible land administration system that serves the interests of all stakeholders,” he remarked.
He noted that the establishment of the board comes at a crucial time, as land disputes and inefficient land management practices have hindered development in many areas.
The Oti Region, rich in natural resources, has the potential to thrive economically if land issues are effectively addressed.
The board will engage with traditional leaders and other stakeholders to foster a participatory approach to land governance.
The board’s commitment to transparency and efficiency will be key in building trust and ensuring that land resources are managed for the benefit of all, he added.
The Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, also urged the newly inaugurated Lands Commission Board to be particularly diligent in the discharge of their duties.