The Minister expressed concern about the ongoing threat of illegal mining, or galamsey, noting its destructive impact on farmland, forests, and major water bodies such as the Tano, Pra, and Ankobra rivers.
He warned that such practices undermine human security and will face strict enforcement under the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036).
He also pointed to the rising problem of unlicensed surveyors and estate agents, as well as unauthorized sales of agricultural and coastal lands for speculation—issues that fuel conflicts and obstruct regional development.
Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah urged the Board to collaborate with government bodies, landowners, and traditional authorities to find lasting solutions and uphold professional standards among Lands Commission staff.
Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson highlighted the region’s ongoing land disputes and encouraged the Board to work together to unlock the full potential of the Western Region’s land resources. He also called on traditional landowners and land administrators to prioritize land allocation for productive investment.
Dr. Pius Asumadu, Regional Director of the Lands Commission, underscored the timeliness of the Board’s inauguration, noting a backlog of land documents pending validation. He appealed to the new Board members to be diligent in fulfilling their duties.
The 23-member Board, chaired by Professor Frederick Boakye-Yiadom of Takoradi Technical University, includes professionals from various sectors such as academia, land administration, and the House of Chiefs.
