The Central Regional Office of the Lands Commission has organised a day’s public education forum on lands acquisition and documentation at Dunkwa-On-Offin aimed at reducing the incidence of land-related disputes in the area.
The forum which was attended by chiefs, departmental heads, landlords, tenants and other opinion leaders, was also designed to educate the public on the activities of the Commission.
Mr. Hans Jorie, Head of Public Vested Lands Management Division of the Commission reminded the public of the consequences of encroaching on government lands and advised that people who wanted such lands for projects should go to the Lands Commission to avoid future legal tussles.
Speaking on lands acquisition and documentation procedures, Mr. Jorie advised chiefs to always collaborate with the Commission to promote the proper administration of state and stool lands in the country.
He explained that the leasing of public lands should not be mistaken for acquisition of such lands and advised the public to always consult the Commission before developing acquired lands.
“We should try to adhere to the procedures in acquiring lands as well as its documentation to avoid land litigations”, he stressed.
Mr. Yaw Aboagye Kyei, Regional Lands Officer observed that the Commission was now better positioned to see to the proper management of public lands.
Speaking on the new Lands Commission, he said the Commission had been structured in a way to enhance efficiency in the management of public lands.
“There are three Divisions, namely Survey, Mapping and Land Valuation and all these divisions are under the Commission and they collaborate to manage public lands in the country, the Regional Lands Officer said.
The Acting President of the Denkyira Traditional Council, Nana Okofo Anyimadu IV, praised the Commission for organizing the public education forum, describing it as essential and beneficial to the public.
Nana Anyimadu said it was necessary for communities to know the new lands policy to pave way for the peaceful acquisition and development of public and stools lands.