A delegation from the Bono Regional Stool Lands Office, led by Regional Director Mrs. Georgia Rockson, paid a visit to Ɔdɛɛfoɔ Ɔgyeamansan Boahen Korkor II, the Paramount Chief of Sunyani, to address critical land administration matters within the Sunyani Traditional Area. Accompanying Mrs. Rockson were Mr. Samuel Asamoah, Head of Human Resource and Administration, and Mr. Morgan Mensah, the Accountant. The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between the Stool Lands Office and the traditional authorities in ensuring effective land governance. The Stool Lands Office commended the Sunyani Traditional Council for its longstanding cooperation in land administration, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening this partnership for improved land management practices.
The delegation’s visit served as a platform to discuss strategies for enhancing land administration within the Sunyani Traditional Area. A key focus was the establishment of a Land Secretariat by the Sunyani Traditional Council. The Stool Lands Office pledged to provide comprehensive support for this initiative, offering technical expertise, capacity-building programs, and logistical resources. This support is crucial for equipping the Secretariat with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively manage land-related issues within the traditional area. The Secretariat is envisioned as a vital instrument for streamlining land transactions, resolving disputes, and ensuring transparency in land ownership records.
Ɔdɛɛfoɔ Ɔgyeamansan Boahen Korkor II, the Sunyanihene, expressed deep concern over the escalating land disputes within the area. He emphasized his resolve to take decisive action to address these conflicts and restore order in land administration. The proliferation of land disputes often stems from unclear ownership records, multiple sales of the same land, and the activities of land guards. The Sunyanihene’s commitment underscores the urgency and importance of implementing effective measures to curb these issues.
The proposed Land Secretariat is viewed as a critical step towards resolving the persistent land disputes. Ɔdɛɛfoɔ Ɔgyeamansan Boahen Korkor II explained that the Secretariat would play a crucial role in eradicating land guard activities, a major source of conflict and insecurity in land ownership. By streamlining land transactions and providing a formalized platform for resolving disputes, the Secretariat is expected to bring much-needed order and transparency to land administration in Sunyani. This will, in turn, create a more secure and predictable environment for land ownership and development.
Furthermore, the Sunyanihene unveiled plans to implement a biometric land registration system. This advanced technology is expected to significantly reduce land disputes by providing accurate and irrefutable records of land ownership. Biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, ensures the unique identification of land owners, minimizing the risk of fraudulent transactions and duplicate registrations. This technological advancement marks a significant step towards modernizing land administration in Sunyani and promoting greater transparency and accountability.
Mr. Ransford Antwi, Chairman of the Lands and Projects Committee of the Sunyani Traditional Council, expressed gratitude for the delegation’s continued guidance and support in previous collaborations. He conveyed optimism about the future of the Sunyani Customary Lands Secretariat, envisioning it as a model institution for land administration in the country. This aspiration reflects the commitment of the traditional authorities to adopt best practices and leverage technology to enhance land governance within their jurisdiction. The collaborative efforts between the Stool Lands Office and the Sunyani Traditional Council represent a crucial step towards achieving sustainable and equitable land management in the Sunyani Traditional Area.
