The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has expressed grave concerns about escalating land-related challenges in the Western-North Region, fueled by growing investor interest in its abundant natural resources.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Western-North Regional Lands Commission Board, Hon. Buah noted that while cocoa farming, timber, mining, and agriculture remain vital economic drivers, rampant land disputes and unauthorized developments are threatening the region’s growth potential.
“The region’s natural resource wealth has made it an investment hotspot, but the resulting land rush has created a complex web of ownership conflicts,” the Minister stated. “Multiple claims from stools, families, and individuals are deterring investors and stalling development projects.”
The Minister highlighted several critical issues:
Unauthorized land sales and boundary disputes are eroding investor confidence
Haphazard community expansion due to poor land planning
Escalating tensions in farming and mining zones
Rampant illegal mining (galamsey) is destroying arable lands and polluting the Tano and Bia rivers
Unlicensed surveyors and estate agents operating with impunity
Growing encroachment on public lands, sometimes involving traditional authorities
To address these challenges, Hon. Buah called for strict enforcement of the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), which imposes severe penalties for unlawful land transactions. He outlined five key priorities for the Lands Commission:
Reducing land registration processing time to 30 working days
Decentralizing land services to district levels within two months
Preventing unlawful conversion of stool lands to family lands
Combating encroachment on public lands, forests, and water bodies
Ensuring strict supervision and ethical conduct among Commission staff
“The Board’s effectiveness will be measured by results,” the Minister emphasized. “Land administration is foundational to our economic revival and job creation agenda. The government and public expect your utmost dedication.”
Hon. Wilbert Petty Brentum, the Western-North Regional Minister, noted that board members were carefully selected for their expertise in land administration. He expressed confidence in their ability to demonstrate professionalism, fairness, and commitment. Hon. Brentum added that the Regional Coordinating Council will collaborate with Nananom (traditional authorities) and the Lands Commission to ensure efficient land administration.
Board Chairman George Kobina Richardson thanked the government for the appointment and pledged the Board’s commitment to transparent and effective land management in the region.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
