Lands Commission Sensitizes Western North Regional House Of Chiefs
The Lands Commission as part of its continuous efforts to sensitize its various major stakeholders has sensitized the Western North Regional House of Chiefs on the new Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036).
The workshop took place on July 18, 2022 at the Kenroses Hotel, in sefwi wiawso and the rationale was to equip the traditional leaders with information on their roles under the Act and empower them.
The President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs and also President of the National House of Chiefs who doubles also as Omanhene of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, in his remarks urged the members to take the engagement seriously and drum home the message to members of their traditional areas.He indicated that the training was to empower the members and make them more efficient in the discharge of their duties.
Mr. Timothy Anyidoho, Esq, Greater Accra Regional Lands Officer expressed his utmost appreciation to the house for the opportunity to educate them and also brainstorm on some land related matters. He noted that the Minister, Hon Samuel Abu Jinapor was very passionate about this exercise and entreated all stakeholders to participate fully and know the Act.
He furthermore highlighted some sections of the Act which are relevant in their line of duty as Custodians of their lands.
He touched on the various sections;
SECTION 9(2) ” which states that, A person shall not create an interest in or right over any stool, skin, clan or family land that vest in that person, another person or body of persons a freehold interest in that land, however described.
SECTION 98(1): RESOLUTION OF LAND DISPUTES. An action concerning any land or interest in land in registration district shall not be commenced in any court unless the procedure for resolution under Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, 2010 Act 798 have been exhausted.
SECTION 47: RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF LAND BY SPOUSE. A spouse shall not, in respect of right or interest in land acquire for valuable consideration during marriage: a) Sell, exchange, transfer, mortgage or lease the land, right or interest in the land. b) Enter into a contract for the sale, exchange, transfer, mortgage, or lease of the land, right or interest in the land. c) Give away right in the land inter vivos. d) Enter into any other transaction in relation to the land, right or interest in the land without the written consent of the spouse, which shall not be unreasonable withheld.
Nana Kojo Essilfie,Esq, Head of Land Registration Division, Tema, also took time to explain further what these sections mean to them as traditional leaders.
He reiterated the fact that the Commission would not relent on its efforts in sensitizing stakeholders because it is the firm belief of the Commission that once the stakeholders are saturated with the necessary information on land management and sale, there would be more sanity in the Land market and people won’t fall fall foul to the law.
Other sections that were touched on include Sections 37,22,38,97,182,236,340,240, and 277 which talks about offences.
The Western North Regional Lands Officer, Madam Afua Abrafi, on behalf of the Commission presented copies of the Act to the House and assured them of their support at any time if need be.”The Commission’s door is always opened and you as traditional leaders shouldn’t hesitate to call on us for any assistance “, she added.
The engagement in the end was very educative and interactive as well.
