The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has announced plans to introduce a Land Banks Initiative aimed at securing land for large-scale agricultural production and investment.
The initiative was disclosed by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, during a working visit to the Ministry by Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on Tuesday, January 27.
According to the Minister, the Land Banks system is designed to protect and make available suitable lands for strategic agricultural activities, while addressing long-standing land acquisition challenges that often discourage investors.
Mr. Buah explained that the initiative will ensure that land is readily available for major agricultural ventures, including palm oil and cocoa production, thereby reducing uncertainty and delays associated with land access.
“We are working on Land Banks because if we say we want to invest seriously in agriculture, we must also secure land for large-scale palm and cocoa production.
“This initiative will ensure that when investors come in, they do not face difficulties in acquiring land,” he said, adding that the Ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance to implement the programme.
Vice President Prof. Opoku-Agyemang welcomed the initiative but stressed the need for inclusivity, particularly in ensuring access to land for women.
She noted that many women interested in farming continue to face barriers to land ownership and use, and called for portions of the Land Banks to be reserved for them to enable meaningful participation in agricultural production.
“If we are establishing land banks, we must remember women. Many women want to farm but, for various reasons, do not have access to land. Reserving some of these lands for them will allow them to contribute fully to the economy,” she said.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com