A high-level Gambian delegation visits Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands on a study tour

Sep 16, 2025

The Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands this week hosted a high-level delegation from The Gambia’s Ministry of Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs. The visit is part of a study tour designed to share expertise on customary land administration and revenue management.

The Gambian Delegation

Led by Madam Ndey Marie Njie, the Gambian delegation was selected by their government to learn from Ghana’s model for application in The Gambia’s land governance reforms.

The delegation was welcomed by the Ag. Administrator of Stool Lands, Dr. Gad Asorwoe Akwensivie, and officials from Ghana’s Lands Commission. In his opening remarks, Dr. Akwensivie outlined that, the meeting as a “win-win” session for mutual learning. He emphasized the potential for both nations to enhance operational efficiency, revenue transparency and disbursement mechanisms. The visit featured detailed presentations on the OASL’s statutory mandate, structure and its role within the Ghanaian economy. Director of Policy Planning, Surv. Ebenezer, outlined the types of land in Ghana and the legal framework governing revenue disbursement.

Evolution of LAP 1 & 2

Ag. Administrator made a presentation on Ghana’s system for managing customary lands in collaboration with traditional authorities. He detailed the evolution from the National Land Policy to the Ghana Land Administration Project (LAP 1 & 2), which established a decentralized, efficient and fair land administration system. Key innovations highlighted included the shift of establishing Customary Land Secretariats (CLSs) from supply-led to a demand-driven approach and the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to settle conflicts efficiently using both the Arbitration Act and customary practices.

Sharing of Ideas

The session concluded with an interactive forum, allowing officials from both countries to share ideas and discuss best practices. The engagement emphasizes growing the cooperation in public sector governance and land administration in Africa as a whole.

Present at the meeting were the Deputy Executive Secretary of Lands Commission, Tony Ntiador, Dr. Benjamin Quaye, Head, SPU, Director of Policy Planning, Surv. Ebenezer Arthur, Director of Administration & Human Resource, Frederick Opoku Denkyira, Director of Finance, Felix Q. Quainoo among others.