The Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands (OASL) has announced plans to establish 300 new Customary Land Secretariats (CLSs) across the country beginning in 2026, a move aimed at strengthening customary land administration in line with the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036).
According to the Acting Administrator of Stool Lands, Gad Asorwoe Akwensivie, the initiative is expected to significantly improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in the management of customary lands.
“Starting this year, the OASL will facilitate the establishment of 300 additional Customary Land Secretariats nationwide to enhance land administration under the Land Act, 2020,” Mr. Akwensivie said in a New Year statement issued to the media.
He disclosed that the expansion would also generate substantial employment opportunities. “We anticipate the creation of over 6,000 direct jobs for secretaries, drivers, ICT professionals, administrators, accountants, land surveyors, mediators and arbitrators, physical planners, valuation and estate surveyors, lawyers and other professionals,” he stated.
Mr. Akwensivie noted that the policy builds on existing gains, pointing out that 110 Customary Land Secretariats are already operational across the country.
“These secretariats have played a critical role in settling land disputes, reducing the incidence of land conflicts and improving transparency and accountability in customary land administration,” he said. He added that they have also served as reliable sources of land information for prospective investors.
As part of preparations for the rollout, the OASL has begun engaging key stakeholders within the customary land sector.
“We have commenced consultations with the National House of Chiefs, Regional Houses of Chiefs, Traditional Councils, Stools, Skins, Clans, Families and land-based NGOs, as required under Part Two, Chapter One of the Land Act,” Mr. Akwensivie explained.
He used the opportunity to issue a call to action to customary land authorities across the country. “It is now mandatory for Stools, Skins, Families and Clans that own land to establish a Customary Land Secretariat,” he stressed, urging them to contact OASL regional and district offices to begin the process.
Mr. Akwensivie assured that the Office would support interested authorities. “The OASL will provide training and start-up equipment on a first-come, first-served basis, while stocks last,” he said.
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