Commission advocates for increased female representation on land committees

Mr Raphael Hokey, Head of Regional Operations Unit at the Land Commission, is advocating for the representation of women on Traditional Land Committees to ensure their input on land matters. Speaking at a National Expert Dialogue on Large-Scale Land-Based Investment Guidelines in Ghana, Mr Hokey emphasized the importance of including women in decision-making processes regarding community lands.

He urged communities to push for the involvement of women and to respect their suggestions during discussions on land issues. Mr Hokey also promised to advocate for female representation at the Customary Land Secretariat within the Commission.

The event, organized by the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) in Accra, brought together key stakeholders to discuss effective guidelines for large-scale land investments in Ghana. Mrs Mary Awelana Addah, Executive Director of GII, highlighted the significance of land as a vital economic resource and a cornerstone of heritage, identity, and livelihood for Ghanaians.

Mamaga Agumekosua V, Paramount Queen Mother of Logba Traditional Area, expressed concern over the failure of stakeholders to implement land policies and called for the enforcement of laws on land acquisition. She emphasized the importance of including women in negotiations with land buyers to prevent disputes and corruption.

Miss Lois Aduamoah-Addo, Programme Manager at WILDAF Ghana, stressed the need for accessible and simplified land laws to ensure the participation of women, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups in discussions on land acquisition.

The dialogue highlighted the challenges and opportunities associated with large-scale land investments in Ghana, emphasizing the importance of inclusive decision-making processes and stakeholder engagement to ensure transparent and sustainable land use practices.