Accra, April 9, 2025 – Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armarh-Kofi Buah has issued a strong call to the Lands Commission to shake off what he described as a longstanding public perception of corruption and inefficiency within the institution.
Speaking during a working visit to the Lands Commission, the Minister acknowledged the dedication of staff who work with integrity and commitment, but emphasized the urgent need for a complete reset of the institution’s operations and image.
“The perception out there is that the Lands Commission is one of the most corrupt institutions in Ghana,” he stated candidly. “It’s time to wake up and change that narrative. Ghanaians expect better.”
Using his personal experience as an example, the Minister revealed that it took him nearly four years to secure his land title a process he described as unacceptable. “Many others are facing the same frustration,” he added.
The Sector Minister revealed plans to secure $165 million to support a nationwide mapping and digitization project, aimed at overhauling the manual systems that still dominate about 90 percent of the Commission’s operations. “We will find the funds to digitize Ghana’s land system,” he assured.
He also announced the intention to digitize all customary land records, improve staff remuneration, and modernize service delivery to enhance efficiency. He noted that 30% of the Commission’s Internally Generated Funds (IGF) are retained by the institution, with the remaining 70% going to the state, and stressed the need for reforms to ensure value for money.
“This is not about politics,” the Minister said. “The people of Ghana have given the NDC government a super majority to reset this country. We are not here to witch-hunt anyone. Elections are over— it’s time to build Ghana together.”
He urged staff to put aside political affiliations and focus on national development, pledging the government’s support to transform the Commission into an effective, transparent, and service-oriented institution.
“We must take the hard steps now if we are to change the Lands Commission into a place of excellence,” he concluded.
The Minister’s comments reflect growing public frustration with land administration in Ghana and renewed efforts by the new administration to root out corruption and improve public service delivery.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Emmanuel Anyigba
