By Isaac Kwaku Gyedu
Sefwi Wiawso (WN/R) May 23, GNA – Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has expressed grave concerns about escalating land-related challenges in the Western-North Region, fuelled by growing investor interests in its abundant natural resources.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Western North Regional Lands Commission Board, Mr Buah noted that while cocoa farming, timber, mining, and agriculture remained vital economic drivers, rampant land disputes and unauthorised developments were potentially threatening the region’s growth.
The Minister stated: “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.
“Multiple claims from stools, families, and individuals are deterring investors and stalling development projects,” the Minister stated.
He urged the Lands Commission to strictly enforce the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), which imposed severe penalties for persons involved in unlawful land transactions.
He also outlined key priority areas for the Commission, including reducing land registration processing time to 30 working days, and decentralise its services to district levels within two months.
He also urged the Commission to prevent unlawful conversion of stool lands to family lands, while combating encroachment on public lands, forests, and water bodies within the region.
Mr Buah said the Board’s effectiveness would be measured by results, noting that, “Land administration is foundational to our economic revival and job creation agenda, so the government and the public expect your utmost dedication.”
Mr Wilbert Petty Brentum, the Western North Regional Minister, noted that the board members were carefully selected for their expertise in land administration, and expressed confidence in their ability to demonstrate professionalism, fairness, and commitment.
He said the Regional Coordinating Council would collaborate with the traditional authorities and the Lands Commission to ensure efficient land administration for the people.
Mr George Kobina Richardson, the Board Chairman of the Commission, thanked the government for the appointment, and pledged the members’ commitment to transparency and effective land management in the region.
GNA
Edited by Justina Paaga/Benjamin Mensah