The Savannah Regional Lands Commission Board, comprising 14 members, has been officially inaugurated at the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council in Damongo.

The inauguration, held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, marks a significant step in decentralising land administration and enhancing local governance.

The ceremony was supervised by the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi, Mr Alhaji Yussif Sulemana.

In his keynote address, the Deputy Minister urged the new board to ensure effective land use and planning per Ghana’s land laws to promote sustainable development in the region.

He acknowledged the challenges facing land administration in the Savannah Region, including disputes and petitions such as the one submitted by the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Biikunuto Jewu Soale.

Mr. Sulemana emphasised that unlocking the potential of the region’s natural resources, particularly land, could be key to addressing unemployment and driving economic growth.

Highlighting the importance of regional autonomy, Mr. Sulemana encouraged the board to ensure that land administration is handled locally, reducing reliance on institutions in other regions.

“The inauguration of this board is a vital step toward bringing governance closer to the people and ensuring land-related services are more accessible to residents,” he said.

Chief Kulopowura Alhaji Haruna Sachibu, who chairs the newly constituted board, assured the Deputy Minister of their commitment to advancing the mandate of the Lands Commission in the region.

He pledged the board's readiness to collaborate with stakeholders and uphold transparency and accountability in their operations.

The inauguration ceremony also featured the swearing-in of board members, who took oaths of office, allegiance, and secrecy.

Under Article 258 of the 1992 Constitution, the Lands Commission is tasked with:

Managing public lands and those vested in the President or the Commission.

Advising the government, local authorities, and traditional leaders on land use policies.

Recommending national policies on land capability and utilisation.

Supporting the registration of land titles across the country.

Performing additional duties as assigned by the Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources.

The board will operate under the framework of the new Land Act, positioning the Savannah Region to take charge of its land resources for improved governance, development, and economic empowerment.