A/R Lands Board inaugurated, tasked to drive land reforms

The newly constituted Ashanti Regional Lands Commission Board has been inaugurated with a strong mandate to improve land governance and support Ghana’s economic transformation through efficient land administration.

At the swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, July 2, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Yusif Sulemana, urged the 50-member board to uphold diligence and transparency in carrying out their duties. He emphasized that efficient land use is central to national development and job creation.

"Swift and secure land registration is critical to attracting investment," Mr. Sulemana said. “If investors can quickly acquire and register land, it fast-tracks project implementation and opens up job opportunities for many Ghanaians.”

The board is chaired by Baffour Owusu Bediako, the Paramount Chief of Asante Akyem Domeabra, and was sworn in by Justice Hannah Taylor, Supervising High Court Judge in the Ashanti Region.

Boosting Revenue and Access to Credit

Mr. Sulemana highlighted the broader economic benefits of streamlined land administration, noting that properly registered properties encourage business formation and ultimately increase tax revenues. He also pointed out the role of titled lands in accessing credit from financial institutions.

“Without land titles, it becomes difficult for individuals and businesses to secure loans,” he said, adding that effective land governance can energize sectors such as agriculture, real estate, and manufacturing.

He commended Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, for establishing a land administration secretariat in the region—a move he described as exemplary and worth replicating nationwide.

Government Commitment

Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening land governance structures. He stated that many of the region’s conflicts—including chieftaincy and boundary disputes—stem from unclear land ownership and access issues.

He urged the board to work closely with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), traditional councils, and planning agencies to align land use with broader physical and economic development plans.

Upholding Confidentiality and Integrity

Justice Taylor, in her remarks, cautioned board members against leaking official documents or sharing sensitive information on social media, warning that such actions are punishable under the Electronic Transactions Act.

In his acceptance speech, Baffour Bediako assured the gathering that he would leverage insights from his previous experience on the board to help steer it towards fulfilling its mandate effectively.

The inauguration marks a renewed push for transparent and responsive land administration in the Ashanti Region—seen as a key step toward sustainable development and investor confidence in Ghana’s land sector.