The Upper West Region has taken a significant step toward improving land management with the inauguration of a new Lands Commission Board. The 18-member board, comprising representatives from municipal and district assemblies, traditional authorities, legal experts, and professional surveyors, has been charged with ensuring the efficient use and management of the region’s land resources.
Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi, led the swearing-in ceremony in Wa over the weekend. He emphasised the critical role of land in national development, pointing out that every investment, from schools to infrastructure projects, relies on secure and well-managed land.
“Land is a vital asset for every form of development. You cannot build schools, hospitals, or roads without it. As members of this board, you have a responsibility to prioritise the collective interests of the region over personal gain,” he said.
Alhaji Sulemana also highlighted ongoing government efforts to digitise land administration to reduce conflicts arising from multiple land sales. He noted that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is engaging with private sector partners to modernise the land registry, making it more transparent and accessible.
The Deputy Minister encouraged the newly inaugurated board to decentralise land registration processes in the region, reducing costs and delays for landowners. This, he argued, would not only streamline operations but also attract more investors to the Upper West Region.
In his remarks, Mr. Charles Lwanga Puozuing, the Upper West Regional Minister, urged the board to work closely with traditional authorities and the Minerals Commission to tackle illegal mining and ensure sustainable land use.
Justice Alhaji Yussif Assibey, the Supervising Wa High Court Judge, administered the oath of office to the board members.
Board Chairman, Mr. Iddrissu Munjamilu, expressed gratitude for the appointment, pledging that the board would work tirelessly to support the government’s land reform agenda and address the pressing challenges facing the region’s land sector.
“We are committed to realising the government’s vision for a more efficient and transparent land administration system in the Upper West Region,” he said.
As the board begins its mandate, there is hope that their efforts will lead to improved land security, reduced conflicts, and greater economic opportunities for the people of the Upper West Region.
