The Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands (OASL) is set to launch 300 new customary land secretariats in 2026, a move aimed at enhancing the management of customary lands in accordance with the Land Act 2020 (Act 1036). According to the acting Administrator, Gad Asorwoe Akwensivie, this initiative is expected to generate more than 6,000 direct job opportunities across various roles including secretaries, drivers, ICT specialists, and accountants.
In addition to these positions, the establishment of the secretariats will also create avenues for land surveyors, mediators, arbitrators, physical planners, valuers, estate surveyors, and legal professionals. Currently, the nation has 110 operational customary land secretariats that have significantly contributed to resolving land disputes and minimizing conflicts, enhancing both transparency and accountability in land administration.
Mr. Akwensivie highlighted that preliminary discussions with essential stakeholders, such as the National House of Chiefs, regional houses, traditional councils, and various land-based NGOs, have already commenced as part of the preparations for the new secretariats. This initiative is in line with Part 2, Chapter 1 of the Land Act, which mandates the establishment of these entities.
In a call to action, the OASL is encouraging customary land authorities to reach out to their local regional and district offices to initiate the establishment process for their respective secretariats. It is now a requirement for stools, skins, families, and clans that possess land to set up these offices. The OASL has pledged to offer training and necessary start-up resources on a first-come, first-served basis.
The OASL is tasked with optimizing revenue from stool lands and ensuring sustainable management practices through the application of modern technologies, aiming for equitable resource distribution across generations. The office generates income through various means, including rents, dues, and royalties collected from designated stool land areas, with revenue assessment based on land location, size, and usage. This revenue system operates independently of the property taxes managed by local governmental assemblies.
