A 33- member Eastern Regional Lands Commission has been inaugurated with a call on members to ensure equity in functional responsibilities in a short ceremony organised at the Regional Co-ordinating Council, Koforidua.

Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Madam Barbara Serwaa Asamoah stated that the role of land in the economy of the nation was important and without secured land rights together with appropriate management, there would be no sustainable development.

She indicated that government’s agenda of equal development opportunities in all regions would be accomplished if the Lands Commission played its role effectively and efficiently.

“I will urge members of the Eastern Regional Lands Commission to be fully guided by the content of the Lands Commission Act, 2008, Act 767. They should ensure that there is equity in the functional responsibilities and privileges of all the Division of the Commission,” she stressed.

Hon. Barbara Serwaa Asamoah mentioned challenges in the Region such as; conflicts between customary landowners and leases of public land areas, rapid development of properties without regard to planning schemes and the threat to the environment through illegal mining as well as chain saw operators. She therefore appealed to members to use diplomacy, firmness and tact to deal with these issues.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Madam Helen Adjoa Ntoso said the government had declared a zero tolerance for corruption in all sectors which included land administration. She therefore urged members of the Commission to desist from corrupt practices and study the Ghana Land Policy to be well informed for the work ahead.

“I look forward to the day when we guarantee the efficient and effective management of land not only to the benefit of a few advantaged people living in areas of our society but also to the ordinary citizenry living in less privileged areas of the country,” she added.

The newly sworn-in Chairman, Osabarima Adusei Peasah IV, on behalf of members expressed gratitude to the President of Ghana and the Eastern Regional Minister for the opportunity given them to serve in the commission. He noted that members would use their experience to work diligently and tread cautiously to tackle all problems regarding land administration in the Region.

ISD