JUABOSO DISTRICT ASSEMBLY ENGAGES LANDS COMMISSION ON LAND ADMINISTRATION AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
The Juaboso District Assembly on Tuesday, 15th July 2026, held a strategic meeting with officials from the Lands Commission of the Western North Region at the Office of the District Chief Executive (DCE) to deliberate on critical issues relating to land administration, documentation, and regulatory compliance within the district.
The meeting was attended by the District Chief Executive, Hon. Alexander Adu Quist, the District Coordinating Director, Pln. Godfred K.B. Banornumah, Heads of Department, and a delegation from the Lands Commission led by the Board Chairman, Mr. George Kobina Richardson.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Richardson underscored the urgency of strengthening land administration systems in the district. He emphasized the need for the Assembly to ensure that all artisans—such as masons, carpenters, and plumbers—are properly registered and licensed before operating. According to him, this measure will enhance accountability, facilitate traceability in the event of structural defects, and contribute to internally generated revenue for the Assembly.
He further stressed that all construction activities must follow due processes, with the Lands Commission playing a central role in facilitating proper land documentation and site planning. He noted with concern that several public institutions, including the District Assembly itself, lack adequate documentation to legally establish ownership of lands they occupy.
Clarifying a common misconception, Mr. Richardson explained that although lands may have been allocated by traditional authorities (Nananom), such allocations often lack formal documentation at the Lands Commission, thereby exposing public lands to disputes and encroachment.
He cited the case of a Senior High School in Sefwi Bekwai, where significant encroachment has limited the availability of land for future development, posing a major risk to infrastructure expansion. To prevent similar occurrences, he recommended that the Assembly take immediate steps to demarcate and secure all public lands through the erection of boundary walls or placement of boundary markers.
Mr. Richardson further emphasized that the responsibility for proper land administration rests collectively on the District Chief Executive, the Physical Planning Department, and the Lands Commission, noting that failure to act proactively could result in future land disputes.
Supporting these concerns, technical officers from the Lands Commission reiterated that it is a legal requirement for all Assemblies to declare and formally register government-owned lands. They cautioned against reliance on verbal consent from traditional authorities, stressing that only legally documented evidence can safeguard state lands in the long term.
Another official, Mr. Mawusi, addressed public perceptions regarding the cost of Lands Commission services, clarifying that the Commission’s charges are often lower than those of private surveyors, while maintaining higher professional standards.
He further observed that although many lands have been allocated to the state by traditional leaders, institutions have largely failed to complete the necessary documentation processes, thereby increasing the risk of disputes.
In his response, the District Chief Executive expressed appreciation to the Lands Commission for the engagement and acknowledged existing gaps in land documentation, describing the issue as a long-standing challenge that predates his administration. He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to working closely with the Lands Commission to address these challenges.
The DCE also proposed a broader stakeholder engagement involving Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and traditional authorities to strengthen collaboration and improve compliance with land administration procedures. He noted that such engagements would help address tensions that often arise when regulatory directives are perceived as conflicting with traditional authority.
The meeting further provided an opportunity for the Lands Commission team to review site plans for upcoming projects within the district. During the review, technical officers identified discrepancies and advised on the need for proper consultation to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Heads of Department present raised concerns regarding the land acquisition process, including the need for more localized support from the Lands Commission and the importance of developing a comprehensive local plan to guide spatial development within the district.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Richardson cautioned that failure to properly document and declare lands could lead to future boundary disputes among districts and regions, particularly as development intensifies. He reiterated the proactive role of the Lands Commission in preventing such conflicts before they arise.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment from both the Juaboso District Assembly and the Lands Commission to strengthen collaboration, enhance land governance, and ensure sustainable development within the district.
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