The delivery of land administration and management services in Ghana has entered a new phase with the commissioning of an ultra-modern head office for the Lands Commission.
The eight-story complex, inaugurated by Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia promises to transform the sector with efficiency, transparency, and digital innovation at its core.
A pivotal moment for Land Administration
Speaking at the ceremony in Accra, Dr. Bawumia described the new office as a key milestone in the government’s agenda to overhaul Ghana’s land administration system.
He emphasized that the facility, equipped with state-of-the-art digital tools, signals the transition from paper-based processes to a fully digitalized operation.
“Ghana’s land sector plays a critical role in our economy, shaping the development of communities and driving investment,” he said. “This modern facility represents a significant step in building an efficient, transparent, and customer-centered land administration system.”
The Vice-President outlined the government’s three-pronged strategy to modernize the sector: establishing robust infrastructure, automating business processes, and investing in a motivated, skilled workforce.
A Foundation of digital transformation
Dr. Bawumia highlighted the strides made in digitizing land administration processes under his leadership.
These include automating land title certificates, streamlining property valuation, and consolidating searches.
He also noted the establishment of a Liaison Unit within his office to expedite these reforms.
“Through digitization, we have reduced errors and inefficiencies, enhancing service delivery and accountability,” he stated.
“This transformation will not only benefit Ghanaians but also position the Lands Commission as a catalyst for economic growth.”
Govt’s commitment to land sector reforms
Samuel A. Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, praised Dr. Bawumia’s leadership in ensuring the completion of the facility.
He detailed other infrastructure projects initiated by the government, including new regional offices for Greater Accra and six newly created regions.
“The land sector has witnessed unprecedented transformation under President Akufo-Addo and Vice-President Bawumia,” the Minister remarked.
“This edifice is a testament to their commitment to creating a transparent, accessible, and efficient land administration system.”
Achievements and future plans
Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, Surv. Benjamin Arthur, lauded the completion of the office as a milestone in advancing land management.
He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as a five-year transformation project set to launch in 2025, which includes creating a national digital map and a robust Land Information System.
The Commission has also established a Complaints and Advisory Centre, launched a Corporate Application Processing Centre, and trained staff for alternative dispute resolution to address land-related conflicts.
A new era for land management in Ghana
The inauguration marks the beginning of a new era for land administration in Ghana. With the integration of advanced technology and a focus on efficiency, the Lands Commission is poised to meet the needs of citizens and businesses while driving national development.
“This is not just a building,” Dr. Bawumia concluded. “It is a promise of what is possible when innovation and commitment come together to serve the people of Ghana.”
Mr. Benjamin Arthur, the Executive Secretary, Lands Commission, on his part, stated that the magnificent Office Complex represented a new era for the Commission—a new chapter in its journey toward providing efficient, transparent, and accessible land services to Ghanaians.
He said the Commission is currently implementing a recently approved new Scheme of Service and Organogram, which clearly distinguished the role of the head office from the regional offices of the Commission.
The Executive Secretary commended the government for its support in obtaining approval to undertake a five-year land administration transformation project.
The project is expected to take off in the first quarter of 2025.
It aimed at creating a national up-to-date digital map to support all sectors of the land economy, a digital database of land records, layout and planning schemes for registrable lands, a robust Land Information System to support a total digitalisation of the Commission’s operations and Business Process Automation of selected services.
Mr. Arthur highlighted some of the successes chalked up by the Commission, which included the establishment of a Complaints and Advisory Centre in the Greater Accra Region and Desks in the other regional offices, the launch of the Corporate Application Processing Centre with the support of the Ghana Association of Bankers, and the training of a dedicated staff to form an Alternative Dispute Resolution Panel to mediate and facilitate the resolution of disputes, particularly those related to land registration.
This is to help reduce court cases and promote swift and amicable settlement of land related cases.
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