The Lands Commission is set to receive a major boost in infrastructure as government officials on Friday performed the official sod-cutting ceremony for a new ultra-modern office complex in Cape Coast.
The two-storey building complex, which is expected to be completed within 18 to 24 months will house modern office spaces, a digital land records centre, client service areas, and conference facilities.
The project is also expected to create employment opportunities during its construction phase and beyond.
The Regional Lands Commission currently operates from a congested office within the Central Regional Coordinating Council, with some of its divisions housed separately due to space constraints.
Upon completion, the new building complex will bring all divisions under one roof, promoting greater staff efficiency and offering enhanced convenience for clients.
Strategically located near CEDECOM House, along the Cape Coast–Takoradi highway, the facility is expected to significantly improve service delivery in the region.
In his address, the deputy executive secretary of the lands commission, Mr. Jones Ofori Boadu noted that the Central Region remains one of the Commission’s key areas in terms of revenue generation and operational activities, making the provision of a conducive working environment essential for its continued success.
He further observed that, although the law mandates the Lands Commission to establish permanent offices in all 16 regions of the country, currently only four regional offices operate from buildings owned by the Commission, with the rest functioning from rented premises.
“So, for that reason, management thought through it and in consultation with government, we have embarked on a package where we can build our own offices in all the other regions and also to reduce, you know, the expenditure that we incur in paying rent…,” he continued.
He also stated that one of the agendas of the land commission is to digitize its records and also embark on a project which has six components.
Mr. Jones Ofori Boadu indicated that key among the six components is providing an updated map for Ghana and digitizing the land commission office.
“The last time we flew the country and mapped the country comprehensively was in 1974, and these are the maps that we still have,” he stated.
“We need to update those maps because of development, because every country develops based on maps and based on spatial data, and so we want to do that. And as part of the project, we also want to digitize all our records. As you may be aware, if you go to our records offices across the country, all you see is files and notebooks and maps all on paper. We want to move all these paper records into digital, and so that will always or almost increase the efficiency and effectiveness in the way that we operate.”
Mr. Innocent Haligah, Chief Director at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, expressed optimism that the new office complex would fully equip and motivate staff to deliver their best.
He further directed the contractor to prioritize the employment of local youth in and around Cape Coast to ensure the community benefits directly from the project.
Mr. Seth Owusu, the Regional Lands Officer, who lamented the congestion at the Commission’s current premises, expressed particular excitement about the new facility, describing it as a long-awaited solution.
He noted that the construction of the new office presented an opportunity for the staff to reflect on their professional attitudes and renew their commitment to diligent service delivery.
He extended his gratitude to the government and the national management of the Lands Commission for their pivotal role in facilitating the project.
Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, the Oguaamanhen, also conveyed his delight about the project expressing hope that the new office would help mitigate many of the challenges associated with land management and acquisition in the Central Region.
He urged the stakeholders to expedite the construction process to bring about a more convenient and efficient land economy.
Representatives of the Lands Commission expressed gratitude to the government for prioritizing the needs of the institution and pledged to maintain high standards of professionalism and efficiency in delivering services to the public.
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic cutting of the sod by the dignitaries, heralding the beginning of construction works.
READ MORE NEWS ON www.atlfmnews.com
Source: Anthony Sasu Ayisadu/ATLFMNEWS
