Dr. Gad Asorwoe Akwensivie, a land analyst and legal practitioner, has hailed the 24-hour economy concept as a revolutionary solution for Ghana’s land administration, particularly in public sector land service delivery.
This endorsement comes as John Dramani Mahama’s proposed 24-hour economy strategy continues to garner attention from experts across various fields.
Dr Akwensivie shared his insights at the 2024 Annual Real Estate Society Conference in Livingstone, Zambia, held from September 10-13, where Africa’s land governance challenges were tackled.
Dr Gad Asorwoe Akwensivie emphasised that Ghana’s land registration process is plagued by a substantial backlog of applications at the Lands Commission, mainly due to lengthy processing times.
According to Dr Akwensivie, streamlining land registration processes through a 24-hour economy would greatly benefit Ghana.
According to Dr. Gad Asorwoe Akwensivie, implementing a 24-hour economy would greatly benefit Ghana’s land administration. Specifically, it would enable the Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands and the Lands Commission to efficiently clear the backlog of applications in various divisions, including Survey and Mapping, Public and Vested Land Management, Valuation and Registration
“People won’t have to use “goro-boys” anymore because if you submit your indenture to the Customer Service and Access Unit (CSAU) and you are sure to get quick service, why would you use “goro-boys?” he asked and stated that “If the back offices work at night, it should be possible for some light documents and non-inspection cases to be completed within a 24hour cycle.”
“This would lead to an improvement in Ghana’s ranking on indices such as The World Bank’s Doing Business Report which is published periodically. It would help improve the country’s competitiveness in attracting Foreign Direct Investment.”
Dr. Akwensivie emphasised the Lands Commission’s vital role in Ghana’s development, citing its critical services such as state land lease applications and title and deeds registration.
Additionally, Dr Akwensivie highlighted the benefits of a 24-hour economy for banks. With accelerated processing times, financial institutions can disburse loans efficiently, eliminating the lengthy waits – often up to two months – for a certificate of the search report
“Estate developers and professionals in the built environment such as architects, surveyors, valuers, civil engineers, quantity surveyors and lawyers who rely on the services of these public sector agencies can expect to render more efficient services to their clients”.
Dr. Akwensivie strongly advocates for a 24-hour economy, citing its potential to revolutionise Ghana’s judiciary efficiency.
He believes by streamlining land administration, a 24-hour economy would significantly reduce conflicts arising from unclear boundaries and ownership disputes, ultimately decreasing land-related litigation.
AfRES, is a continent-wide organization founded in 1997. It seeks to promote research, education and networking among property professionals and academics across Africa.
This year’s conference brought together over 1000 participants from across the continent and across the globe to discuss and present innovative solutions to real estate challenges under the theme, “Smart Cities in Africa for the 21st Century”.
source: city newsroom
