Armah-Kofi Buah Inaugurates New Lands Commission Board, Tasks Them on Galamsey, Land Sales

Western Region, Ghana - 13 May, 2025 - Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has charged the newly reconstituted Western Regional Lands Commission board to prioritize efficient land administration and tackle pressing land-related issues in the region.

The 22-member board, led by Prof. Frederick Boakye-Yiadom, has been tasked with implementing key initiatives to enhance land services, including reducing land registration timeframes and costs.

The Minister highlighted critical challenges facing the region, including multiple land sales, illegal mining (galamsey), and encroachment on public lands.

He emphasized the need for proactive measures to address these issues and reform land administration in the resource-rich region.

"Unregulated land sales by multiple claimants, often disregarding authorized planning schemes, have led to haphazard development and poor land use. Rapid community expansion near rubber and oil palm plantations, the Atuabo Gas Plant, and the proposed Petroleum Hub in Jomoro has further exacerbated tensions in recent times.

"We must also confront the galamsey menace. Disturbingly, many farmers and landowners are coerced into relinquishing their lands for illegal mining. This has resulted in the wanton destruction of arable land and forest resources, as well as the pollution of major rivers such as the Tano, Pra, and Ankobra. These activities pose a threat to human security and will not be tolerated," he stated.

The board's mandates include decentralizing land services, preventing unlawful conversion of stool lands, and combating encroachment on public lands. The Minister urged the board to work with dedication and integrity to transform the region into a thriving business hub.

The newly inaugurated 22-member board includes:
- Prof. Frederick Boakye-Yiadom - Chairman
- Dr. Pius Basoah Asumadu, Regional Lands Officer;
- Pln. Mrs. Ama Akyire Akyina Ferkah, Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority;
- Surv. Daniel Odotei Brown, Ghana Institution of Surveyors;
- Constantine Kojo Mawuena Kudzedzi, Esq., Ghana Bar Association; and
- Nana Kwesi Agyeman IX, Western Regional House of Chiefs.

- Other members comprise the chief executives of the various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Western Region.

The Minister expressed gratitude to the outgoing board members for their service and confidence in the new board's ability to deliver effective and transparent land administration.

"I extend the government’s gratitude to the outgoing Regional Lands Commission for their contributions to the region. We wish them success in their future endeavors," he added.

"Addressing these challenges demands proactive strategies. I am confident that you are equal to the task. The public and the government have high expectations, especially as we implement projects to revive the economy and create jobs for our youth. Since land is the foundation of these initiatives, your role is pivotal. I urge you to embrace this responsibility with dedication, working to transform the region into a thriving business hub that generates opportunities for all," he said.

Source: Lead News Online