Hon. Charity Gardiner Commissions Ahafo Regional Lands Commission, Urges Responsible Land Management

The Ahafo Region has marked a historic milestone with the official inauguration of its Regional Lands Commission, presided over by the Ahafo Regional Minister, Hon. Charity Gardiner — the first woman to hold this office in the region’s history.

The inauguration ceremony, held in Goaso, was attended by key stakeholders, staff of the Lands Commission, traditional leaders, and members of the public. Addressing the gathering, Hon. Charity Gardiner emphasized the critical role the Lands Commission plays in the governance and development of land resources across Ghana.

“The Lands Commission was established by our great Republic to manage and oversee land-related matters, including surveying, mapping, land registration, and valuation,” she stated. “The inauguration of the Ahafo Regional Lands Commission marks a new era in ensuring that land management in our region is streamlined, effective, and transparent.”

Hon. Gardiner urged the newly inaugurated leaders and staff of the Commission to take their responsibilities seriously, particularly in ensuring the proper mapping, surveying, and registration of all lands within the region.

“This is the surest way to prevent land litigation that often leads to unnecessary conflict among individuals and communities, and disturbs our peace,” she warned. “Let us prioritize systems that bring clarity and order, rather than chaos and confusion.”

She called on the Commission to work closely with local and traditional authorities by offering expert advice on land use and development policy, stressing the importance of coordination with municipal and regional development plans.

“As experts in land matters, it is your duty to assist chiefs, local assemblies, and other institutions to make informed decisions on land use. Your work should complement development efforts and ensure that we build a well-structured, orderly, and peaceful Ahafo Region.”

The Regional Minister also reminded the Commission to uphold national directives, particularly the one issued by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic, which calls for the immediate cessation of all transactions involving state and public lands.

“Let me remind you that the directive from President John Dramani Mahama to halt all sales, leases, or processing of public lands must be strictly observed. This directive is in the national interest and must be respected to the letter,” she said.

Hon. Gardiner urged the Commission to let its institutional vision and mission serve as a guide in their operations. Quoting directly from the Commission’s vision and mission statements, she stressed the need for the Ahafo office to strive for excellence.

“Your vision clearly states: ‘To become a center of excellence for land services delivery.’ And your mission reads: ‘To provide high-quality, reliable, and efficient services in geographic information, guarantee tenure, property valuation, surveying, and mapping.’ These should not just be words on paper, but guiding principles in everything you do.”

She expressed confidence in the competence and commitment of the Ahafo Lands Commission team, urging them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in their duties.

The event also featured solidarity messages from traditional leaders and representatives of key government institutions, all commending the Minister for her leadership and reaffirming their support for the new regional office.

The inauguration of the Ahafo Regional Lands Commission is expected to significantly enhance the quality and accessibility of land-related services in the region. It marks a strategic step toward improving land administration, reducing litigation, and promoting coordinated development.

In concluding her address, Hon. Charity Gardiner thanked all stakeholders for their continuous support and called for a renewed sense of duty among public servants in the region.

“Let us all work together to build a better Ahafo. Land is the foundation of all development. If we manage it well, our future will be secure,” she concluded.

The establishment of the regional office reflects the government’s commitment to decentralizing key services, ensuring that citizens across all parts of the country have access to efficient public institutions.

Source: Francis Agyapong Nimpong