In Bolgatanga, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, has led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Upper East Regional Lands Commission Office Complex. This event aims to tackle persistent infrastructure issues that have plagued the region’s Lands Commission.
Alhaji Sulemana, speaking on behalf of the sector minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, highlighted the new facility’s benefits. It will improve land administration services, generate revenue, and promote regional job opportunities.
According to the Deputy Minister, land is crucial for economic, political, and social progress. A contemporary and efficient facility is necessary to effectively provide services and settle conflicts. The construction of this building will aid in achieving these goals.
According to Alhaji Sulemana, the Ministry is taking steps to introduce a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) in Parliament that will reinforce the legal framework for the Lands Commission’s operations. He also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to expediting reforms to enhance land acquisition and documentation procedures, which are crucial for attracting local and foreign investment.
He stressed the significance of accurate land paperwork and how it enables small and medium enterprises to secure credit. He explained that the absence of collateral often prevents aspiring entrepreneurs from taking advantage of potential opportunities.
“We must help businesspeople secure land documents so they can access loans and expand their businesses. That is how we create jobs and grow our economy,” he emphasized.
In his speech at the event, the Deputy Minister harshly warned the contractor about poor quality and delays.
“We’re counting from today. You have exactly one year to hand over this building. No excuses. If you deliver well, more opportunities will come your way. But if not, you’ll have no future engagements with this Ministry,” he warned.
In addition, he stressed the importance of the contractor hiring indigenous craftsmen and workers to generate employment opportunities for community members and boost the area’s economic growth.
Alhaji Sulemana, also known as the Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi, expressed his appreciation to traditional authorities and landowners for granting permission for the project and assured them of responsible land use.
According to Jonathan Kwabla Kene, the Upper East Regional Lands Officer, building the Upper East Regional Lands Commission Office Complex is an important milestone and a realization of a cherished goal for both the Commission and the region’s residents.
Mr Kene sincerely appreciated the Alegmia Abaa Family of Zorbisi for granting access to the land, which he emphasized was crucial in making the project a reality.
“This is a great day for the Lands Commission in the Upper East Region. For decades, we have operated without a dedicated office complex. Today marks the beginning of a significant transformation in how land services are delivered in the region,” he announced.
According to Mr Kene, the regional office is currently in a government building that it shares with multiple institutions. This arrangement impacts its efficiency, he noted.
“The lack of space has been a major impediment. Even the Chairman of the Lands Commission in the region has no dedicated office space. This has severely affected our operational efficiency and the capacity to increase our staff,” he expressed frustration.
The speaker addressed several obstacles facing land administration in the area, such as encroachment on state and public lands, complications with vested and de-vested lands, conflicts between the Land Act 2020 (Act 1036) and traditional land tenure systems, disputes over compensation, and the absence of subsidiary legislation to aid in implementing the Land Act.
Moreover, Mr. Kene mentioned the ongoing initiatives to address these issues. He reiterated the Commission’s dedication to promoting public awareness and engaging with key stakeholders, including traditional leaders, landowners, and land sector agencies. He commended the recent implementation of digital solutions, specifically the Enterprise Land Information System (ELIS), for successfully streamlining land service delivery processes.
