Deputy Lands Minister inaugurates Oti Regional Lands Commission

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Yusif Sulemana, inaugurated the Oti Regional Lands Commission Board. The ceremony took place on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

Yusif Sulemana emphasized the Board's important role in national development. He noted its constitutional mandate under Article 258(1) of the 1992 Constitution. This includes managing public and private lands and advising the government on land policy.

"This Board is crucial to our land administration system," he stated. The Board includes representatives from all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). It also has members from the Ghana Institution of Surveyors.

"This makes it one of the most representative regional bodies," he added. Key directives for the Board include prioritizing public interest over personal gain in land decisions. They must work to reduce land disputes in the region.

The Board should support decentralizing land registration services. They aim to achieve a 30-working-day target for land registration processes. Additionally, they will appoint an information officer to assist citizens.

The Deputy Minister expressed concern about ongoing land conflicts that hinder development. "Land is the foundation of all development," he said. He urged everyone to work towards eliminating these disputes completely.

Yusif Sulemana highlighted that decentralized registration would lower transaction costs and increase rates. This would ultimately boost national revenue as well. He reiterated that a 30-day registration timeline is a Key Performance Indicator for the Board.

In response, Board Chairman Nana Mprah Besemuna III pledged full commitment from all members. "We recognize accountability's importance in this role," he stated regarding the government's reset agenda.

Nana Mprah thanked the Ministry for their appointment. He assured that the Board would diligently address land-related challenges in the Oti Region.