By Kodjo Adams
Accra, July 16, GNA – Dr Gad Asorwoe Akwensivie, Administrator of Stool Lands, has said Customary Land Secretariats (CLSs) will promote organised, transparent and sustainable land management across the country.
The initiative was discussed at a stakeholder sensitisation workshop in Accra, which brought together traditional authorities to chart the path forward on CLSs.
Dr Akwensivie said the Secretariat would serve as a bridge between traditional authorities, land users and statutory land sector institutions.
“Through CLSs, customary landowners are supported to maintain proper records of land transactions, improve documentation, reduce boundary disputes, enhance accountability and promote orderly development,” he said.
The workshop was held under the theme “Towards Improved Customary Land Administration for Stools, Families and Clans.”
Ghana’s Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), provides a comprehensive framework to improve land governance, strengthen customary land management and promote accountability among landholding entities.
A key innovation under the Act is the recognition and promotion of CLSs to support stools, families and clans in effective land administration.
Dr Akwensivie said land remained one of Ghana’s most valuable assets and called for transparent and accountable administration to address challenges such as multiple land sales, inadequate documentation, boundary disputes and encroachment.
“CLSs provide an opportunity for stools, families and clans to safeguard their interests while promoting confidence and certainty among investors, developers and communities,” he said.
Dr Akwensivie Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands (OASL) had set strategic objectives towards expanding and strengthening CLSs nationwide.
“We are working closely with traditional authorities, the Lands Commission and other stakeholders to provide the necessary technical support, training and guidance to ensure that these secretariats operate effectively,” he said.
Mr Raphael Hokey, Deputy Executive Secretary in charge of operations at the Lands Commission, urged chiefs to establish systems for effective renewal of leases devoid of disputes.
“You cannot grant a lease to a foreigner for more than 50 years, and cannot also grant a lease to a child below 18 years,” he said.
He encouraged traditional authorities and customary landholding groups to embrace the CLS concept and collaborate with the OASL and Lands Commission to establish and strengthen the structures.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Kodjo Adams