The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has underscored the critical need for a $165 million investment to digitally map Ghana’s land resources, describing the initiative as a transformative step towards modernizing the country’s land administration system.
Speaking during a visit to the newly commissioned headquarters of the Lands Commission in Accra, the Minister emphasized the pressing need to replace the outdated manual system with a comprehensive digital platform. According to him, this bold move would address longstanding inefficiencies, curb corruption, and accelerate administrative processes.
“Our current system is slow, cumbersome, and prone to manipulation. With digital mapping, we can streamline land surveys, simplify the process of locating plots, and eliminate unnecessary paperwork,” he explained. “This will not only improve efficiency but also significantly boost government revenue by enhancing land administration transparency.”
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah also confronted public perceptions regarding corruption within the Lands Commission, acknowledging concerns but firmly rejecting the notion that the institution is among the most corrupt in the country. Instead, he called for a shift in focus toward strengthening the Commission’s core functions through targeted reforms aimed at improving transparency and operational efficiency.
During the visit, the Minister engaged extensively with the management and staff of the Lands Commission, attentively addressing their concerns and seeking collaborative solutions to challenges affecting the sector. He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to empowering the Commission to fulfil its mandate effectively.
“The Lands Commission is central to Ghana’s national development. Modernizing land management is not just an option—it’s a necessity if we are serious about driving economic growth and ensuring equitable access to land resources,” the Minister asserted.
The proposed digital mapping project is expected to revolutionize land ownership and administration across the country. By creating a secure and transparent system, the initiative promises to restore public trust in land transactions, attract investments, and support Ghana’s development agenda.
Once fully implemented, the digital system is set to be a game-changer, heralding a new era of efficiency and accountability in Ghana’s land management landscape.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
