The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has urged the Lands Commission to rise above the negative public perception of corruption and work towards restoring its credibility.
He made this call during a working visit to the Commission’s headoffice in Accra on 8th, April, 2025, as part of his familiarisation tour following his appointment as Minister for the Sector.
Meeting with the management and staff of the Commission, the Minister emphasized the need for a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to excellence, especially in the face of long-standing public mistrust.
“I expect the Lands Commission to align itself with the government’s resetting agenda and contribute meaningfully to achieving the broader national vision. Together, we can make a difference in Ghana,” he stated.
The Minister reiterated the importance of values such as timeliness, dedication, hard work, and integrity in public service delivery. He was confident that with the right mindset and commitment, the image of the Lands Commission could be transformed.
Touching on operational efficiency, Hon. Buah, highlighted the urgent need to digitalise the Commission’s processes to address corruption-related concerns. He noted that digital transformation would not only improve transparency but also streamline service delivery.
He further assured staff of government’s intention to review their remuneration packages to boost morale and enhance performance. “Motivated staff produce results, and we are committed to ensuring that your conditions of service reflect the expectations placed on you,” he added.
One of the major challenges raised during the engagement was the absence of a comprehensive national base map, which hampers the Commission’s ability to effectively execute its mandate. The Minister revealed that an estimated $165 million is required to complete the mapping of the country and pledged to work closely with the Ministry of Finance to secure the necessary funding.
“We will pursue this agenda together, but even as we do that, there are many things within your control that you can begin to address now to help us achieve our collective goal,” he urged.
Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Yusif Sulemana, also called on management to sit up and deliver on their mandates while aligning with the government’s transformational agenda.
Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, Mr. Benjamin Arthur, briefed the Minister on the Commission’s structure, strategic business goals, land tenure systems, and ongoing digitalisation efforts.
He echoed the Minister’s concerns, adding that the lack of a national base map significantly limits their operational capacity.
The visit ended with a tour of the Commission’s facilities, during which the Minister interacted with staff and inspected the National Data Center of the Commission.
Hon. Buah’s visit marks a renewed push by the Ministry to position the Lands Commission as a trustworthy, efficient, and digitally driven institution in service of national development.
