Ghanaian Courts must handle issues on natural resources, others -Prof Fiadjoe

Professor Albert Kodzo Fiadjoe, Chairman of the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) has recommended the local arbitration of all legal tussles concerning contracts, particularly, natural resources.

He said the move could save the country payment of judgment debts to companies and individuals.

Prof. Fiadjoe said international settlements could be sought after the relevant parties had exhausted the local means of arbitration.

The CRC Chairman said this during an engagement between the CRC and media practitioners from the Western and Central Regions on the recommendations made by the CRC on the 1992 Constitution and the Government’s White Paper issued on the Report.

The Government White Paper issued on Lands and Natural Resources in response to the CRC’s recommendation, agreed that lands and natural resources belong to the people of Ghana.

The White Paper also accepted the CRC’s recommendation for the review of the Chieftaincy Act 1971, (Act 370) and the Head of Family Act 1985 towards the specific and detailed rules of accountability of chiefs and heads of family to the ultimate beneficiaries of lands entrusted to them.

It also accepted Government’s power of compulsory acquisition of land for public purposes, but this is subject to prompt payment of fair and adequate compensation to land owners.

On the other hand, where Government failed to use the land acquired for the public purposes or interest, the land should be returned to the original owners, subject to the return of any compensation that was given.

The Government, according to the White Paper, also accepted the CRC’s recommendation for an amendment and legislation to widen the Natural Resources Commission’s functions to include survey, mapping, valuation and other functions as the Minister may assign.**