In a move to curb rising land disputes and educate Ghanaians on land-related matters, the Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands (OASL), Western Region, has launched a radio sensitisation programme in collaboration with Melody 91.1 FM Takoradi.
The initiative, which began on July 7, 2025, forms part of a continuous effort to deepen public understanding of customary land administration, stool land revenue, land acquisition processes, and key provisions in the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036).
Appearing on Melody FM’s PM Jam hosted by Haruna Babangida, the Deputy Regional Stool Lands Officer, Mr. Evans Agbenyegah, underscored the importance of educating the public on the roles of the OASL, the difference between stool lands and government lands, and the rights and responsibilities of landowners and land users.
“Land is a generational asset. Its proper management ensures equity for both current and future generations,” Mr. Agbenyegah emphasized.
The OASL, established under Article 267 of the 1992 Constitution and Act 481 of 1994, is mandated to administer stool lands and ensure revenue collected is distributed in accordance with constitutional provisions. The Lands Commission, by contrast, primarily manages public (state) lands and oversees land registration and documentation.
Mr. Agbenyegah also explained that land acquisition in Ghana involves first identifying whether a parcel is customary or public, conducting due diligence, ensuring the land is demarcated, and processing documentation through the Lands Commission, after which stool land tenants are expected to engage with the OASL for rent payments and monitoring.
“One common challenge we face is multiple sale of the same plot to different people. If landowners work with the OASL, and if tenants fulfil their yearly payment obligations, many of these issues can be avoided,” he noted.
The radio sensitisation programme aims to answer common questions, including:
- Who qualifies as a legitimate grantor of stool land?
- Why must annual payments be made after purchasing stool land?
- What is the difference between stool land rent and property rate?
- What safeguards are available to land buyers under the Land Act, 2020?
Mr. Agbenyegah urged families and traditional authorities (allodial owners) who manage stool lands to collaborate closely with the OASL to promote transparent and sustainable land management.
“The more people understand their land rights and responsibilities, the fewer the land disputes we’ll see in courtrooms,” he added.
Listeners were assured that the series would continue in coming weeks with more insights into land valuation, rent calculation, and the use of stool land revenue for community development.
For guidance on any stool land transaction, individuals are encouraged to visit the OASL office in Sekondi-Takoradi or reach out through their regional platforms.