The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, urged the Lands Commission to overcome the unfavorable public perception of corruption and endeavor to restore its credibility on April 8, 2025, as part of his familiarization tour after being appointed as Minister.
This contact was made while he was on a working visit to the Commission’s Accra headquarters.
The Minister, who met with the Commission’s management and employees, stressed the importance of a revitalized sense of purpose and dedication to excellence, particularly in light of the public’s long-standing skepticism.
“I expect the Lands Commission to align itself with the government’s resetting agenda and contribute meaningfully to achieving the broader national vision. Together, we can make a difference in Ghana,” he stated.
The Minister reaffirmed the significance of virtues like punctuality, commitment, diligence, and honesty in the provision of public services.
He believed that the Lands Commission’s reputation could be improved with the correct attitude and dedication.
Speaking on operational effectiveness, Hon. Buah emphasized how urgently the Commission’s procedures must be digitalized in order to solve issues with corruption.
He pointed out that digital transformation would expedite service delivery in addition to increasing transparency.
He also gave the government employees his word that their pay packages will be reviewed in order to improve morale and performance.
“Motivated staff produce results, and we are committed to ensuring that your conditions of service reflect the expectations placed on you,” he added.
The lack of a thorough national base map was one of the main issues brought up throughout the engagement, which makes it more difficult for the Commission to carry out its mandate.
The Minister stated that it might take up to $165 million to finish the country’s mapping and promised to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Finance to obtain the appropriate funds.
“We will pursue this agenda together, but even as we do that, there are many things within your control that you can begin to address now to help us achieve our collective goal,” he urged.
Hon. Yusif Sulemana, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, also urged management to work effectively in order to fulfill their mandates and support the government’s transformational program.
Mr. Benjamin Arthur, the Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, gave the Minister an update on the Commission’s continuing digitization initiatives, land tenure systems, strategic business goals, and organizational structure.
Echoing the Minister’s worries, he added that their operational capability is severely constrained by the absence of a national base map.
The visit concluded with a tour of the Commission’s premises, where the Minister spoke with employees and looked around the Commission’s National Data Center.
The Ministry is making a fresh effort with Hon. Buah’s visit to establish the Lands Commission as a reliable, effective, and technologically advanced organization that supports national development.
Source: newsthemegh.com