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Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has lauded the Lands Commission for its strides in digital transformation and operational efficiency, describing these efforts as pivotal for national development.
He made these remarks while inaugurating the Commission's new ultra-modern head office complex in Accra on Monday, November 25, 2024.
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Recalling a 2018 visit to the Lands Commission, Dr. Bawumia highlighted the challenges the institution faced, including cramped office space and reliance on manual record-keeping.
"At the Land Title Registration Division Office, I saw volumes of files all over the place... I observed that the Commission had a huge problem with space, not only to store their files, but also for staff to do their work," he said. He assured Ghanaians at the time that the government would tackle these challenges, promising to complete a new office complex to enhance the Commission's operations.
The newly commissioned building represents the government's efforts to strengthen land administration. Dr. Bawumia emphasised the critical role the land sector plays in Ghana's economy, noting that 90 percent of the population depends directly or indirectly on land for their livelihoods, according to the Ghana Statistical Service.
"A well-functioning land administration system is essential for sustainable economic development, social cohesion, and a vibrant investment climate," he stated, underscoring the necessity of robust land management for national progress.
Dr. Bawumia outlined the government’s strategy for land administration reform, which he said is anchored on three key elements: modern office infrastructure, the digitisation and automation of business processes, and the engagement of knowledgeable and well-motivated staff. He described the new head office complex as a crucial step towards achieving these goals, providing a conducive environment for effective land management.
On the digitisation of the Commission’s operations, Dr. Bawumia lauded the implementation of initiatives such as online searches, consolidated search processes across divisions, and the Electronic Property Appraisal System for property valuations. He also noted that the digitisation of land title certificates has reduced the risk of errors associated with manual entries, significantly enhancing efficiency and transparency.
The Vice President expressed optimism about the future of land administration in Ghana, crediting the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Lands Commission, and his office’s Liaison Unit for their collaboration in driving these reforms. He emphasised the importance of continued digital transformation to further improve service delivery, accountability, and public confidence in the land sector.
Dr. Bawumia concluded by reaffirming the government’s dedication to building a robust and modern land administration system, which he said is essential for ensuring sustainable development and social progress.
