Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah has revealed that Ghanaians perceive the Lands Commission as one of the most corrupt Institutions in Ghana.
But he is optimistic that this image can be reset in accordance with President Mahama’s agenda if management and staff change their ways.
The Minister made these remarks in Accra on Tuesday during a familiarization tour to the Commission.
“President Mahama’s intention is to reset the Lands commission and we are going to do it together”, Hon. Armah Buah stressed.
“…How do we change this place[Lands Commission], how do we transform this place to be one of the most efficient place for people to come here and think that things can be done faster”.
The minister also expressed worry over the manual processing of documents at the Commission, stressing the need for the Commission to go full digital and map the entire country.
He said the laisser-faire attitude of the officials of the Commission arising out of the non-digitalized approach paints a very gloomy picture of the Commission.
Using himself as an example, the Minister revealed that it took him several months before getting his land title which he applied adding that he only secured it the day after he was nominated as Minister of Lands designate.
He added that there were ocassions where he was told that the person working on the document is either on vacation, sick or attending funeral.
He maintained that lack of digitalization, breeds some of these professional faux pas, hence the need to push hard the digitalization drive encapsulating the mapping of the entire country.
“90 percent of all the things you do is paper work.
If we are to map the entire country, this government is going to be the biggest beneficiary because you will be efficient and people will be happy with your work”, Hon. Armah Buah emphasized.
The MP for Ellembelle later assured the Lands Commission of his commitment to ensure that the 165million cedis needed for the digitilization of the Commission and subsequent mapping of the country is secured to enable the Commission deliver on their mandate efficiently and satisfactorily.
The Minister later expressed worry over the low wage of the staff and assured them of his resolve to ensure a better conditions of service for them.
According to him, lack of motivation also contributes to corruption, hence he would ensure of their conditions of service becomes a priority.
“These are the things I want to work with you and change. All must go together”, the Minister assured.
On his part, the CEO of the Lands Commission, Mr. Ben Arthur welcomed the suggestions of the Minister and assured him of total cooperation and support in order to reset and revamp the image of the Commission.
Source: Eric Boateng
