Lands minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (6th from L, front row) with members of the Western North LC
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has bemoaned the rising land-related issues in the Western North Region which he says are hindering the region from harnessing its full potential.
According to him, the vast natural resources of the Western North Region have fostered economic activities in cocoa farming, timber, mining and other agricultural areas, attracting increased investment interest that has, in turn, triggered a surge in land disputes.
He explained that the heightened interest in the region has resulted in a land rush, sparking ownership conflicts involving multiple claims from stools, families and individuals, creating a complex web of disputes.
This, he noted, has deterred many potential investors and stalled key development initiatives in the region.
“Unauthorised land sales, boundary disputes and the lack of coordinated land planning are undermining investor confidence and leading to haphazard community expansion.
“The situation is particularly dire in farming and mining zones where tensions are escalating,” the minister said at the inaugural ceremony of the Western North Regional Lands Commission Board.
The Lands Minister also highlighted the persistent menace of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, which continues to ravage arable lands and pollute vital water bodies including the Tano and Bia rivers.
He, therefore, urged the newly inaugurated board to strictly enforce the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), which introduces severe penalties for unlawful land transactions.
He outlined key priorities for the Commission as follows:
1. Reducing land registration turnaround time to 30 working days.
2. Decentralising land services to ensure accessibility at the district level within two months.
3. Preventing the unlawful conversion of stool lands into family lands where it contradicts customary law.
4. Combating encroachment on public lands including forests and water bodies.
5. Enforce strict supervision and ethical standards among Lands Commission staff.
The members of the committee include:
George Kobina Richardson – Chairman
Surv. Eugene Asante Boateng – Secretary/Member
Ebenezer Ablaw Esq – GRA
Plg. Nana Kusi Nsiah – LUSPA
Katakyie Kwasi Afful II – RHC
Manuni Adams – GNAFF
Surv. Ben Bright Caiquo – GhIS
Hon. Henry Affum – Sefwi Wiawso
Duku Benjamin Benson – Aowin
Joseph Ayambilla – Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai
Richard Kwasi Ayesu – Suaman
Adu Kwadwo – Bia East
Asiamah Charles – Bia West
Boneford Ampah Kwesi – Juaboso
Isaac Tawiah – Akontombra
Kofi Damptey – Bodi
BAI/
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