The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has called on the Lands Commission to address what he described as a long-standing public perception of corruption and inefficiency within the institution.
During a working visit to the Lands Commission, the minister acknowledged the dedication of staff who work with integrity but stressed the urgent need to overhaul the institution’s operations and image.
“The perception is that the Lands Commission is one of the most corrupt institutions in Ghana,” he remarked. “It’s time to change that narrative. Ghanaians deserve better.”
Drawing from his own experience, the minister shared that it took him nearly four years to secure his land title— a delay he deemed unacceptable. “Many others face the same frustration,” he added.
The minister also outlined plans to secure $165 million to fund a nationwide mapping and digitization project aimed at transforming the commission’s operations, which are still largely manual, with 90% of processes dependent on outdated systems. “We will find the funds to digitize Ghana’s land system,” he assured.
In addition, he announced plans to digitize all customary land records, improve staff compensation, and modernize service delivery to enhance efficiency. He noted that 30% of the Commission’s Internally Generated Funds (IGF) are retained by the institution, while the remaining 70% goes to the state, and emphasized the need for reforms to ensure value for money.
“This is not about politics,” the minister said. “The people of Ghana have given the NDC government a supermajority to reset this country. We are not here to witch-hunt anyone. Elections are over— it’s time to build Ghana together.”
He urged staff to put aside political differences and focus on national development, pledging government support to transform the commission into a transparent, effective, and service-oriented institution.
“We must take bold steps now to transform the Lands Commission into a place of excellence,” he concluded.
The minister’s comments highlight mounting public frustration with land administration in Ghana and a renewed commitment by the new administration to tackle corruption and improve public service delivery.
