The Upper West Regional Lands Commission Board was officially inaugurated on May 9, 2025, in Wa, marking yet another significant milestone in the country’s pursuit of efficient and transparent land administration.
In a keynote address, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Sulemana Yusif, emphasized the commission’s critical role in unlocking the region’s potential for socio-economic transformation.
The deputy minister explained that the establishment of the Lands Commission Board is grounded in Article 258 of the 1992 Constitution and the Lands Commission Act, 2008 (Act 767). The Commission operates through four key divisions: Survey and Mapping, Land Registration, Land Valuation, and Public and Vested Lands Management.
“Efficient land administration is critical to unlocking the potential of our agricultural, housing, commercial, and industrial sectors.
“A 24-hour economy thrives on ease of doing business, security of tenure, and a responsive public sector—all of which require effective land governance,” he stated.
Mr. Yusif highlighted the government’s commitment to digitizing land records, reducing opportunities for corruption, and enhancing service delivery.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening customary land administration and decentralizing land services to make them more accessible.
“We are committed to collaborating with Traditional Authorities and initiatives such as the Customary Land Secretariat programme to build capacity for local land management and improve documentation of customary land rights,” he added.
He urged the newly inaugurated Lands Commission Board to uphold dedication, integrity, and transparency, aligning with the principles of good governance and public service.
He formally declared the Upper West Regional Lands Commission Board duly inaugurated, underscoring its potential to drive socio-economic progress in the region.
The Commission’s Board comprises representatives from various institutions and stakeholders, including: Iddrisu Munjamilu, Esq. – Chairman, Wilfred Acheampong (Surv.) – Ag. Regional, Lands Officer (Secretary/Member), Naa Karbo Puowele III – House of Chiefs Representative.
Others included, Miriam Amoako, Esq. – Ghana Bar Association Representative, Sebastian Daguah, Esq. – Nadowli/Kaleo District Assembly Representative, Dr. Samuel Banleman Biitir – Ghana Institute of Surveyors Representative, George Akpass – GNAFF Representative, Patience Osei Nyarko (Mrs.) – LUSPA Representative, and Kardiri Sibiri Edmond, Esq. – Sissala West District Assembly Representative.
The rest are; Luri Kanton Bahian – Sissala East Municipal Representative, Dr. Reginald Tang Guuroh – Lawra Municipal Assembly Representative, Aliu Mahama Abubakari – Wa Municipal Assembly Representative, Seidu Mohammed-Saani – Wa East District Assembly Representative. Haruna Semba – Daffiama-Bussie-Issa (D.B.I.) District Assembly Representative.
Kuro Babinuoh Samuel – Lambussie District Assembly Representative, Prof. Juventus Benogle Ziem – Nandom Municipal Assembly Representative, Abudi Abu – Wa West District Assembly Representative and Dr. Frederick Dapilah – Nandom Municipal Assembly Representative.
In his remarks, the newly appointed Board Chairman, Iddrisu Munjamilu, Esq., expressed gratitude to the government for the opportunity and pledged the Board’s commitment to ensuring effective and transparent land administration in the region.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the Regional Minister, Members of Parliament, Traditional Authorities, and other key stakeholders.