History was made in the Ahafo Region this week as the first-ever female Regional Minister, Hon. Charity Gardiner, officially commissioned the Ahafo Regional Lands Commission in Goaso. The momentous event brought together local leaders, Lands Commission staff, traditional rulers, and members of the public to witness a new chapter in the region’s governance of land resources.
In her keynote address, Hon. Gardiner described the inauguration as a pivotal milestone in the decentralization of land administration in Ghana. She underscored the role of the Lands Commission in safeguarding land ownership, managing land records, and promoting conflict-free development across the region.
“The Lands Commission was established by our Republic to oversee critical functions such as surveying, mapping, land registration, and property valuation,” Gardiner stated. “It is your duty as a regional office to ensure these services are delivered efficiently and ethically.”
She urged the newly inaugurated officials and staff to embrace professionalism and integrity, emphasizing the importance of accurate mapping and responsible documentation of all lands in the region. According to her, sound land administration is key to avoiding disputes that could destabilize the peace and harmony Ahafo currently enjoys.
“Proper mapping and surveying of lands are not optional—they are essential,” she warned. “Land litigation, if not controlled, can breed communal unrest and hinder development. I urge you to be proactive and vigilant in the performance of your duties.”
Hon. Gardiner also challenged the Commission to play a more advisory role to local and traditional authorities, guiding them on best practices in land use and policy. She highlighted the need for effective collaboration with municipal development planners to ensure Ahafo’s growth aligns with sustainable land management.
“The Lands Commission must serve as the region’s think tank on land matters. You are to engage chiefs, district assemblies, and private developers with well-informed advice rooted in technical expertise,” she said. “Development must be orderly, guided by data and long-term vision—not chaos.”
In a bold reminder of national directives, the Minister referenced President John Dramani Mahama’s recent order halting all transactions involving public and state-owned lands.
“Let me make it clear: the directive from His Excellency President Mahama to cease all sales, leases, or processing of state lands remains in full effect,” she emphasized. “The Ahafo Lands Commission is expected to respect and enforce this directive with no exceptions. Our public lands must be protected for the benefit of future generations.”
She further encouraged the Commission to let their institutional mission and vision guide their operations, quoting both to reinforce the expectations set before them.
“Your mission is ‘to provide high-quality, reliable, and efficient services in geographic information, tenure security, property valuation, surveying, and mapping,’ while your vision is ‘to become a center of excellence for land services delivery,’” Gardiner noted. “Let these not just be lofty words on your wall, but guiding values that define how you serve this region.”
Beyond her formal address, the Minister expressed optimism that the Commission’s presence would usher in a new era of transparency and orderliness in land matters across Ahafo. She encouraged the staff to see their work as a patriotic duty, adding that integrity in public service remains the bedrock of national development.
The inauguration drew praise from traditional leaders, including several chiefs who pledged their full cooperation with the newly constituted Commission. They highlighted the long-standing challenges related to land disputes in their communities and welcomed the regional office as a timely intervention.
A senior official from the Lands Commission Headquarters, who also spoke at the event, reiterated the agency’s commitment to equipping the Ahafo office with the tools, training, and resources needed to operate at the highest standards. He also mentioned plans to digitize land records across the region, a move expected to boost efficiency and reduce fraud.
Attendees left the event with renewed confidence in the region’s future, lauding Hon. Gardiner for her vision, dedication, and hands-on approach to governance. Many also acknowledged her historic role as the region’s first female minister, describing her as a trailblazer and source of inspiration for young women across the country.
The Ahafo Regional Lands Commission will now begin full operations, offering essential services in land title registration, cadastral surveying, land use planning, and more. Officials say one of their immediate priorities will be conducting audits and reviews of all pending land disputes and registrations to streamline the process and restore public trust.
As Ghana continues its journey toward more efficient and decentralized governance, the launch of the Ahafo office serves as a blueprint for how regional leadership can drive impactful change when backed by vision, accountability, and collaboration.
Source: Francis Agyapong Nimpong | Africalivenews
