Addressing the gathering, the Bono East regional Stool Lands Officer, Mrs. Georgina Rockson said the establishment of Stool Land Secretariats in traditional areas across the country is mandated by the Lands Act 1036 of 2020 with the objective of ensuring the smooth administration of stool lands.

She spelt the composition and duties of the secretariat adding that they will have to prepare periodic reports on their activities for the attention of the traditional council.

The Sene West district chief executive Hon. Kari Fuseini said land administration is guided by many legal frameworks including article 267 of the 1992 constitution which vests stool lands in stools, skins or clans and held in trust for the people.

He said the Lands Act consolidates laws on land and land administration, effective land governance, registration and dispute resolution adding that the Administrator of Stool Lands Act 481 of 1994 ensures that stool land revenue is collected, disbursed and used for the benefit of the community.

Hon. Fuseini said the establishment of the secretariat will help strengthen the capacity to record and manage customary land transactions more transparently, prevent community lands from encroachment and unlawful sale as well as promote sustainable land use by balancing developmental needs with sound environmental practices.

In a keynote address the Omanhene of the Dwan traditional area Okofrobour Awase Afura III said the inauguration of the secretariat and bye-laws will ensure peace and development of the traditional area.

He said land is a precious natural endowment which must be managed carefully for the benefit of future generations adding that accountability and transparency will be key to the work of the secretariat.

A 9 member committee that constitutes the secretariat is headed by Nana Nyimba Aboagusun, Adehyepanin of the Dwan traditional area.