Ghana, Eswatini deepen cooperation in land governance

Ghana and the Kingdom of Eswatini are exploring closer cooperation in land governance following a study visit by a seven-member delegation from the southern African country to learn from Ghana’s land administration reforms.

Welcoming the delegation in Accra, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, described the visit as an opportunity for both countries to strengthen cooperation and exchange experiences in land governance.

He outlined reforms being implemented in Ghana’s land sector, including the decentralisation of land services, the digitalisation of land records, and measures to reduce land disputes.

He explained that Ghana’s land administration framework integrates statutory and customary governance systems to ensure effective land management.

“Our focus is to ensure that land services are transparent, accessible and efficient while protecting public lands and the rights of citizens,” he said.

The Minister added that district land offices were being established across the country to bring land services closer to citizens and improve access.

Leading the Eswatini delegation, the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Ms Nonhlanhla Dlamini, said the visit formed part of her country’s efforts to draft a National Land Policy.

“We thought of our big sister, Ghana. That is why we are here to seek assistance while also learning through the exchange of ideas,” she said.

Ms Dlamini noted that the delegation was interested in learning how Ghana coordinates the roles of government institutions and traditional authorities in land management.

She said they were also seeking insights into localised land administration, spatial planning and stakeholder consultation processes.

As part of the visit, the delegation received a presentation on Ghana’s land administration system and would tour key agencies in the sector to gather information to support the formulation of Eswatini’s National Land Policy.