Stool Land Administration collects 68 billion cedis as revenue

Wassa-Akropong, OCT.27 -GNA-The Office of the Stool Lands Administration (OSLA), through the adoption of pragmatic measures increased its revenue mobilisation from nine billion cedis in 1997 to 68 billion cedis in 2005.

It has engaged 500 commission revenue collectors in seven regions where it operates currently as part of efforts to expand its role and further enhance revenue collection to the government.

Mrs Matilda Esi Fiadzibey, the Administrator of Stool Lands, who said these at a stakeholders' forum at Wassa-Akropong to mark the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the OSLA stated that it would expand its operations to cover the whole country by 2010.

She said the OSLA is determined to excel in revenue mobilisation and disbursement as required by law and adopt measures to check litigation and conflicts between land owners and settler farmers through alternative dispute resolution as captured in the land administration project.

Mrs Fiadzibey said through careful planning OSLA had expanded its operations to impact positively on the lives of the people and urged stakeholders in the sector to support its operations to achieve more positive results.

She announced that Administration had embarked on public education and tree planting exercises in some regions to promote good environmental practices.

Mrs Fiadzibey commended the Omanhene of Wassa Amenfi, Kasapreko Kwame Bassanyin III for the judicious use of royalties to the benefit of the people of the area.

She said OSLA would soon create a forum that would seek to recognise and reward chiefs who use their share of royalties to enhance the developmental efforts of the people. Mr. Patrick Amoah, Western Regional Stool Lands Officer reminded chiefs and other landowners that land entrusted in their care cannot be sold outright.

He called for mutual respect and understanding between tenants and landlords to ensure peace always. Madam Doris Gyapomah Oduro, Wassa Amenfi East District Chief Executive said the Assembly would support the operations of the OSLA, especially in the areas of revenue mobilisation and resolving land conflicts.