Kong Traditional Area Inaugurates Customary Lands Secretariat
Kongwura Seidu Jinkuruge I revealed that land acquisition has become a major challenge in the area because most people acquire them at the blindside of landowners for proper documentation.
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The Kong Traditional under the Gonja Traditional Council of the Savannah region has inaugurated a Customary Lands Secretariat to manage land issues in the area.
The Secretariat was opened on Thursday, May 27, 2021, at Gindabour in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.
The Paramount Chief of the Kong Traditional Area, Kongwura Seidu Jinkuruge I in his address said most of the numerous conflicts that are encountered in most traditional areas are as a result of land disputes.
He said that land acquisition has become a major challenge in the area because most people acquire them at the blindside of landowners for proper documentation. The Kongwura recounted how others come as settlers for a small piece of land for farming but before it is realised, the land is used for other commercial purposes.
His Royal Highness added that most of the Sub Chiefs of Gonja are poor because they are not receiving the full benefits of their lands. The Paramount Chief added that the Chiefs and people of Kong Traditional area can only develop if only they are united.
Seven (7) member board
He, therefore, appealed to all stakeholders in the area to cooperate with the newly inaugurated board and staff of the land Secretariat. He however expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the management of the Northern and Savannah Regional Customary Lands Secretariats for their support and endorsement.
A seven (7) member board was Inaugurated and with another seven (7) member Advisory committee to lay procedures into land acquisition and ownership to curb land disputes in the area. An edifice complex was commissioned for the day-to-day smooth running of the Secretariat.
Mr Atsu Norgbedzi who is Regional Stool Land Officer for Northern, North East and Savannah Region said the minerals in the land can be tapped "if our chiefs and landowners take key interest in proper documentation."
He said ‘Land’ if managed well, will attract investors, reduce conflicts, create employment which would improve the standard of living.
On his part, the Coordinator of Jaksally Development Organisation (a non Governmental Organisation) Mr Jeremiah Seidu acknowledged the Chiefs, Queen Mothers and the good people of the traditional area. He advised that landowners can only benefit and receive the full potentials of the land if proper acquisition and documentation is done.
Abdul Sammed Gurundari, Savannah region
