Land Acquisition and Registration Will Soon See Drastic Change - Vice President Bawumia

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has observed that land acquisition and registration in Ghana will soon see a big shake up to bring digital changes to the process essentially to arrest the challenges Ghanaians go through to purchase and register their lands. 

The Vice President made this known when he addressed the Press in the premises of the Land Title Registration Division of the Lands Commission at Cantonments after paying a surprise visit to their offices to familiarize himself with their processes and to get first hand information on the major difficulties affecting their work. 

The Vice President in his address observed that the process of registration of land in Ghana is a big problem. "We have been living with this problem for years but we are not changing it. It is time for us to change the system. In many countries, land acquisition is key in the development of the country. In Ghana, land acquisition is not part of the process in many cases and that does not develop the mortgage market" the Vice President said. The Vice President was received and taken on his tour by the Director of the Land Registration Division of the Lands Commission, Mrs. Yaa Agyeman Boadi.

What is Government Proposing To Do?

The Vice President suggested that as part of efforts on the side of government to bring change, a total digital integration of the land acquisition process will soon be initiated. Additionally, a land conference aimed at bring all stakeholders in the land sector will be held on the 28th of February 2018, to reach a compromise on the way forward for the land sector of the country. The land forum will take important decisions in areas such as valuation of property, digitalization of property, search processes, and consolidation of records in all land agencies.

What About Land Litigation

The Vice President hinted that consultations will be held with the Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, on conflicting judgements concerning certain lands in the country and the way forward to get the conflicts resolved. "We are going to also have some discussions with the Chief Justice on some of the conflicting judgements across different courts. I think it is very important for us to do so", the Vice President stated. 

Challenge With Space At The Registry

During the tour of the Vice President, it became obvious to him and his team that the Land Title Registration Office has a serious challenge with space with regards to the storage of their documents covering lands in the country. To that end, the Vice President stated that he is reliably informed that some work is on going on a new premises and that he will ensure that it is completed for use. 

Is Land Linked To Ghana's Ability to Move Beyond Aid?

The Vice President said the President's vision of moving Ghana beyond aid will be greatly hindered if the land acquisition and registration challenges are not dealt with. "Ghana will not be able to move beyond aid if we do not tackle the land problem. There is so much land for which no one can extract equity out of. At least 70% of lands in Accra do not have title and that is the reality" the Vice President said.