LAP Opens First Satellite Office

The Land Administration Project (LAP) in collaboration with its development partners yesterday opened its first satellite systematic office in Cantonments, Accra.

This comes shortly after government decision to introduce LAP in October 2003 to implement strategies aimed at improving the different areas of land administration in Ghana.

The 38,000-dollar office would provide the mechanism and the methodology for developing an efficient and cost effective registration system in a computerised environment as well as provide security of tenure and also facilitate registeration services.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new office, the Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines, Hon Esther Obeng-Dapaah, noted that the new satellite office, which comes with a new land registration approach, would help tackle the bureaucratic processes involved in title registration, where certificates are issued after routine errands at all the land-sector agencies.

This, the Minister said, is sporadic in nature and does not allow systematic approach to title registeration, 'leaving gaps in the land register'.

The MP for New Abirem disclosed that similar offices would be opened in Osu and Kumasi to serve as a one-stop-shop for property owners to patronise the services.

Hon. Esther Dapaah reminded the staff of the new satellite office and Heads of land sector agencies the need to provide quality services based on innovation, integrity, discipline and transparency to ensure the success of the new service.

The La Mantse, Nii Tetteh Tsru III, in his remarks, thanked the government for the provision of the office and was hopeful that it will reduce the hustle property owners go through in the registeration of their properties.

Nii Kpobi Tsru III appealed to the government to assist the traditional authorities to demarcate, survey and register their boundaries. This, he stated, would go a long way of reducing the numerous land litigation in the country, and create the necessary peaceful environment for investment and development.