The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, has received the report and recommendations of a five-member committee tasked with reviewing a preliminary report on the de-vesting of vested lands presented by the Lands Commission in 2022. This development marks a significant step forward in addressing the longstanding issues surrounding vested lands in Ghana.
Upon receiving the report, Hon. Jinapor commended the committee for their diligent work, highlighting the importance of vested lands to traditional rulers and family heads across the nation. He acknowledged the complexity of the issues surrounding these lands and expressed confidence that the report would play a crucial role in resolving them.
“The submission of this report tells that a pivotal milestone has been reached, signaling progress towards resolving complex issues surrounding vested lands in the country,” the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor noted.
Hon. Jinapor pledged to thoroughly study the reports and make recommendations to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, expressing confidence that these recommendations will guide the government in addressing the issue of vested lands.
The Minister, Hon. Jinapor assured the public, particularly chiefs, title holders, and owners of various lands in the country, that the Akufo-Addo Government is committed to resolving the issue of vested lands for the benefit of the people of Ghana.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Andy Kwame Appiah Kubi, a lawyer and Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North Constituency, and a former Deputy Minister for Railways Development, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them.
Hon. Andy Kwame Appiah Kubi conveyed optimism about the impact their report would have on governmental decision-making regarding vested lands, emphasizing the importance of their findings in guiding the government towards equitable and just resolutions in this critical area.
Hon. Appiah Kubi also hoped that the submission of the report would mark a significant chapter in the ongoing efforts to manage and govern lands in Ghana, setting the stage for informed decision-making and equitable outcomes in land-related matters.
The committee is chaired by Hon. Andy Kwame Appiah Kubi and includes Kumbun-Naa Alhaji Naa Abu Iddrisu II, a surveyor, and fellow of the Ghana Institute of Surveyors, representing the National House of Chiefs; Dr. Wordsworth Odame-Larbi, a Land Policy and Land Administration Consultant, representing the Ghana Institute of Surveyors; Mr. Dennis Adjei-Dwomoh Esq., the Managing Partner of Law Plus, representing the Ghana Bar Association; and Mr. Maxwell Adu-Nsafoa, the Technical Director for Lands at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and Deputy Executive Secretary in Charge of Operations at the Lands Commission.
The receipt of this report and the subsequent actions by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources signal a renewed commitment by the government to address the complex and longstanding issues surrounding vested lands in Ghana. The involvement of a cross-section of stakeholders, including traditional leaders, legal experts, and technical professionals, ensures a comprehensive approach to resolving these issues.
The recommendations contained within the report are expected to guide the government in making informed decisions that prioritize equity, justice, and the preservation of cultural and traditional rights associated with these lands. This development is likely to have far-reaching implications for land governance in Ghana, potentially setting a precedent for how such issues are managed in the future.
As the government moves forward with implementing the recommendations, it will be crucial to monitor the progress closely. The successful resolution of the vested lands issue could serve as a model for addressing similar challenges in other areas of land management and governance in Ghana.
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