By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, July 21, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama Tuesday hosted Members of the Greater Accra Region House of Chiefs led by its President the Nungua Mantse, Oboade Notse King Professor Odaifio Welentsi III at the Presidency in Accra.
The delegation was at the Presidency to fraternize with the President and to congratulate him on his victory in the 2024 general election.
President Mahama in his address said the Government had taken note of concerns regarding the relations between the chieftaincy institution and the local government system.
He said the proposed constitutional amendments would provide a clearer definition of the role of chiefs within the local government structure so they could effectively play their important role in local governance.
The President said traditional authorities remained indispensable stakeholders in local governance and community development, and that the government recognised the need for stronger collaboration between traditional authorities and the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to improve service delivery and accelerate development.
He said the Government also acknowledged concerns of Chiefs regarding state-acquired lands and their implications for the Ga-Dangme people.
“We recognise the historic contribution of the Ga-Dangme people and the sacrifices they have made towards the growth of Accra as Ghana’s capital and towards the social, cultural and economic development of our country,” the President said.
He noted that the Government was determined to end the indiscriminate and undervalued disposal of public lands to politically exposed persons and other influential individuals.
He added that public property must not be allocated arbitrarily or transferred through opaque land arrangements.
“We have therefore reviewed questionable land transactions, halted the processing of titles relating to certain uncompleted allocations and reclaimed some public lands where necessary.”
President Mahama said the Government was also preparing legislation to ensure that the disposal of public lands and other state assets was subject to clear, transparent legal procedures and prior approval by Parliament.
He reiterated that where public lands had already been developed, occupants might be required to pay the true market value rather than continue to benefit from undervalued transactions.
He said they were reforming the Lands Commission and strengthening the digitisation of land records to improve transparency, prevent multiple sales, reduce corruption and accelerate the processing of land documentation.
President Mahama said land administration must serve the public interest while protecting both traditional landowners and the state.
He said in line with this commitment, Cabinet had approved the revocation of Executive Instrument 144, as amended, to restore the Achimota Forest Reserve to its full protected status.
He said the Achimota Forest Reserve remained Accra’s largest remaining urban forest and must not be sacrificed for private development.
He said it must be preserved as an environmental asset, a green buffer and a national heritage for present and future generations.
President Mahama said the Government would continue to engage the Chiefs, the Lands Commission, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and other relevant institutions to address outstanding matters relating to compensation, land ownership, state acquisitions and the lawful utilisation of public lands.
He underscored that their approach in all cases would be guided by transparency, fairness, accountability and respect for the legitimate interests of the Ga-Dangme people.
Oboade Notse King Professor Odaifio Welentsi III, the Nungua Mantse and President of the House extended their appreciation to the President for the numerous developmental projects the Region had begun to witness under his administration over the past one and half year.
He appealed to the President to allocate an office space for the House at the Osu Castle and to construct a new Regional Headquarters Building for them at Dodowa.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba