The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has tasked the newly-constituted Western Regional Lands Commission Board to reduce the turnaround time for land registrations to just 30 working days.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, and monitored by GhanaWeb on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, he stressed the need for faster, more accessible and decentralised land administration systems.

“Reduce land registration turnaround time and, in your particular case, I want you to limit it to 30 working days. Also, lower the cost of land services by making them accessible at the district level," he remarked.

He questioned the concentration of services in the regional capital, Takoradi, urging the board to work towards decentralisation.

“What is the point in bringing everybody to Takoradi? We must decentralise land services, and at the end of your tenure, your performance will be evaluated based on how effectively you help the government implement this land service decentralisation," he stated.

Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah also entreated the board to intensify the fight against encroachment of public lands.

"Combat encroachment on public lands, including open spaces, nature reserves, wetlands and coastal areas. Prevent the unlawful conversion of school lands to family lands where it contradicts customer law.

"Addressing this issue will require proactive strategies and diligence and I have no doubt that you are equal to the tax. The public and the government have high expectations, especially as you owe out your projects to revive the economy and create jobs for our young people. Since land is the foundation for these initiatives, your role is very critical," he added.

JKB/AE

Watch as Agradaa promises to share church money with Sammy Gyamfi if he’s fired