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Ghana Act or statute

Parliament of Ghana

Lands Commission Act,2008 (Act 767)

The Lands Commission is established, has corporate status, and may sue, hold property, and enter transactions for its functions. The Commission must keep its headquarters in Accra, have a regional…

access to recordsagency dissolutionannual reportsappointment and functions of officialsappointment and governanceappointmentsappointments and removalasset transferauditboard compositionboard tenurecommission administrationcommission fundingcommission governancecompliancecontinuity of servicecontractsCompany lawcorporate liabilitydecision-makingdeeds registrationdeletionenvironmental managementfinancial recordsgeospatial datagovernancegovernment acquisitiongovernment oversightinformation requestsinter-agency coordinationinternal auditland administrationland developmentland information systemsland managementland market regulationland registersland registrationland uselegal personalitylocal governmentmeeting proceduremeetingsmember attendanceoffice holdersorganizationpersonnel transferpreservation of rightsprofessional disciplineproperty acquisitionproperty valuationpublic administrationpublic land managementpublic noticespublic-sector governancequorumrecord keepingrecords transferregional land administrationregulationrepealreportingretirement benefitsrights and obligations transferstaffingstamp dutystool land developmentsurveysurvey and mappingtitle registrationvacancy filling
Jurisdiction
Ghana
Structure
45 provisions
Citation
Act 767
Dates
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01

Purpose and legislative effect

“The Lands Commission is established, has corporate status, and may sue, hold property, and enter transactions for its functions.”

The Lands Commission is established, has corporate status, and may sue, hold property, and enter transactions for its functions. The Commission must keep its headquarters in Accra, have a regional branch in each Region, and may set up district offices where it chooses. The Minister responsible for Lands oversees the Lands Commission and may, with the President’s approval, issue written general policy directions that the Commission must follow. The Commission’s objectives are to promote judicious land use, support sustainable management and a sound eco-system, and ensure land development aligns with the nation’s development goals. The Commission must carry out land administration functions such as managing public lands, advising government, registering land documents, and collecting service-related levies and fees.

02

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Tenure of office of members

Most Commission and Regional Lands Commission chairmen and members serve a four-year term and may be reappointed.

Section 12

Functions of the Public and Vested Lands Management Division

This section lists the Public and Vested Lands Management Division’s functions: helping acquire land for Government, managing state-acquired and vested lands in line with approved land use plans, and carrying out other functions set by the Commission.

Section 23

Accounts and audit

The Commission must keep proper accounts and records, submit them for audit within three months after the financial year ends, and the Auditor-General must audit and report to Parliament within three months of that submission.

Section 34

Consequential amendments

When this Act starts, certain references in listed land and survey laws are to be treated as references to the Commission, and the affected provisions are to be read with necessary modifications unless the context requires otherwise.

Section 45

04

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Showing 45 of 45 provisions

Provision 39Offence 2Repeal 2Amendment
§ 1Establishment of the Lands CommissionProvision

The Lands Commission is established, has corporate status, and may sue, hold property, and enter transactions for its functions.

Section 1—Establishment of the Lands Commission (1) There is established by this Act the Lands Commission in accordance with article 258 of the Constitution. (2) The Commission is a body corporate with perpetual succession, a common seal and may sue and be sued in its corporate name. (3) The Commission may for the performance of its functions acquire and hold movable and immovable property and may enter into a contract or any other transaction. (4) Where there is hindrance to the acquisition of property, the property may be acquired for the Commission under any relevant enactment on the acquisition of land by the State and the cost shall be borne by the Commission.
Section 1Verify source
§ 2Headquarters, Regional and other branches or offices of the CommissionProvision

The Commission must keep its headquarters in Accra, have a regional branch in each Region, and may set up district offices where it chooses.

Section 2—Headquarters, Regional and other branches or office of the Commission (1) The headquarters of the Commission shall be in Accra. (2) The Lands Commission shall have a branch in each Region known as the Regional Lands Commission for the performance of the functions specified in article 258 of the Constitution in respect of the Region. 4 (3) The Commission may establish district offices in districts it may determine.
Section 2Verify source
§ 3Ministerial responsibilityProvision

The Minister responsible for Lands oversees the Lands Commission and may, with the President’s approval, issue written general policy directions that the Commission must follow.

Section 3—Ministerial responsibility The Minister responsible for Lands has ministerial responsibility for the Lands Commission and may, with the approval of the President, give general directions in writing to the Commission on matters of policy in respect of the functions of the Commission and the Commission shall comply with the directions.
Section 3Verify source
§ 4Objectives of the CommissionProvision

The Commission’s objectives are to promote judicious land use, support sustainable management and a sound eco-system, and ensure land development aligns with the nation’s development goals.

Section 4—Objectives of the Commission The objectives of the Commission are to (a) promote the judicious use of land by the society and ensure that land use is in accordance with sustainable management principles and the maintenance of a sound eco-system; and (b) ensure that land development is effected in conformity with the nation's development goals.
Section 4Verify source
§ 5Functions of the CommissionProvision

The Commission must carry out land administration functions such as managing public lands, advising government, registering land documents, and collecting service-related levies and fees.

Section 5—Functions of the Commission For the purpose of achieving its objectives, the Commission shall (a) on behalf of the Government, manage public lands and any other lands vested in the President by the Constitution or by any other law and any lands vested in the Commission; (b) advise the Government, local authorities and traditional authorities on the policy framework for the development of particular areas of the country to ensure that the development of individual pieces of land is coordinated with the relevant development plan for the area concerned: (c) formulate and submit to Government recommendations on national policy with respect to land use suitability or capability; (d) advise on, and assist in the execution of, a comprehensive programme for the registration of title to land throughout the country; (e) register deeds and instrument that affect land throughout the country; (f) facilitate the acquisition of land on behalf of Government; (g) establish standards for and regulate survey and mapping of the country; (h) provide surveying and mapping services where necessary; (i) license practitioners of cadastral survey; (j) provide land and land related valuation services; (k) ensure that through sound, sustainable land use planning, socio-economic activities are consistent with sound land use through sustainable land use planning in the long term national development goals; (l) in collaboration with other bodies instil order and discipline into the land market through curbing the incidence of land encroachment, unapproved development schemes, multiple or illegal land sales, land speculation and other forms of land racketeering; 5 (m) in collaboration with other bodies minimise or eliminate, where possible, the sources of protracted land boundary disputes, conflicts and litigations in order to bring their associated economic costs and socio-political upheavals under control; (n) promote community participation and public awareness at all levels in sustainable land management and development practices to ensure the highest and best use of land; (o) promote research into all aspects of land ownership, tenure and the operations of the land market and the land development process; (p) impose and collect levies, fees, charges for services rendered; (q) establish and maintain a comprehensive land information system, and (r) perform other functions the Minister may assign to it.
Section 5Verify source
§ 6Independence of the CommissionProvision

The Commission must not be directed or controlled by any person or authority when carrying out its functions, unless the Constitution or another law says otherwise.

Section 6—Independence of the Commission Except as otherwise provided in the Constitution or in any other law the Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority, in the performance of its functions.
Section 6Verify source
§ 7Collaboration and co-ordination with other public bodiesProvision

The Commission must collaborate and coordinate with specified public bodies and other relevant bodies when carrying out its functions. The Minister may set coordination matters by legislative instrument.

Section 7—Collaboration and co-ordination with other public bodies (1) The Commission shall in the performance of its functions collaborate and co-ordinate with (a) the Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands, (b) the department responsible for town and country planning (c) structures designed for the customary administration of stool, skin, family or community- owned land or any other land, and (d) other public agencies, government bodies and any other private body that has operations or activities relevant to the functions of the Commission. (2) In pursuance of subsection (1) (a), the Minister may by legislative instrument prescribe matters relating to collaboration and co-ordination which may include (a) development of a framework for productive use and management of stool lands and other lands, (b) methods for the generation and sharing of information and records on stool lands and other lands, (c) assessment and collection of rents in respect of stool and other applicable public lands, and where necessary their disbursement, and (d) development and acquisition, including shared use of accommodation, equipment, staff, records and the equitable sharing of related costs. Composition, Qualifications and Appointment of Members
Section 7Verify source
§ 8Composition of the CommissionProvision

The President must appoint the Commission’s chairman and other members, and determine their salaries, allowances, facilities, and privileges. The chairman must not be a Minister or Deputy Minister.

Section 8—Composition of the Commission (1) The Commission, shall in accordance with article 259 of the Constitution consists of 6 (a) the Chairman, who shall not be a Minister or a Deputy Minister; (b) one representative of, and nominated by (i) the National House of Chiefs; (ii) the Ghana Bar Association; (iii) the Ghana Institution of Surveyors; (iv) each Regional Lands Commission; (v) the department responsible for town and country planning; (vi) the National Association of Farmers and Fishermen; (vii) the Environmental Protection Agency; and (viii) the Ministry responsible for Lands and Natural Resources; and (c) the Executive Secretary of the Commission. (2) The President shall in accordance with article 70 of the Constitution appoint the chairman and the other members of the Commission. (3) The President shall determine the salaries and allowances payable, the facilities and the privileges available to the chairman and the other members of the Commission in accordance with article 71 (1) (d) (iv) of the Constitution.
Section 8Verify source
§ 9Membership of Regional Lands CommissionProvision

A Regional Lands Commission must be made up of members appointed by the Minister responsible for Lands, and the chairman cannot be a Minister or Deputy Minister.

Section 9—Membership of a Regional Lands Commission A Regional Lands Commission shall consist of the following persons appointed by the Minister responsible for Lands: (a) the chairman who shall not be a Minister or a Deputy Minister, (b) one representative of, and nominated by, (i) the Regional House of Chiefs, (ii) each District Assembly within the Region, and (iii) the department responsible for town and country planning, (c) one nominee of the Ghana Bar Association practising in the Region, (d) one nominee of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors practising in the Region, (e) one nominee of the National Association of Farmers and Fishermen in the Region, and (f) the Regional Lands Officer.
Section 9Verify source
§ 10Functions of Regional Lands CommissionProvision

A Regional Lands Commission must carry out the Commission’s regional functions, coordinate its activities through the Commission, consult traditional authorities on stool land matters, and provide them relevant information and data. Stool land cannot be disposed of or developed unless the Regional Lands Commission certifies consistency with the area’s development plan.

Section 10—Functions of a Regional Lands Commission (1) A Regional Lands Commission shall perform the functions of the Commission in respect of the Region. (2) The activities of a Regional Lands Commission shall be coordinated by the Commission. 7 (3) There shall be no disposition or development of any stool land unless the Regional Lands Commission of the Region in which the land is situated has certified that the disposition or development is consistent with the development plan drawn up or approved by the planning authority for the area concerned. (4) The Regional Lands Commission shall consult with the stools and other traditional authorities in all matters relating to the administration and development of stool land and shall make available to them all relevant information and data.
Section 10Verify source
§ 11Qualification for membershipProvision

A person may qualify for Lands Commission membership only if qualified to be a member of Parliament, and current members with professional qualifications must cease to serve if they are professionally disqualified, suspended, or leave the profession (unless they left at their own request).

Section 11—Qualification for membership (1) A person does not qualify for appointment as a member of the Lands Commission or of a Regional Lands Commission other than the Executive Secretary or the Regional Lands Officer unless the person is qualified to be a member of Parliament, except that a person is not disqualified to be a member under this section by reason only of the person being a public officer. (2) A member of the Commission or a Regional Lands Commission who has a professional qualification shall cease to be a member of the Commission or Regional Lands Commission if that member (a) is disqualified or suspended from practising that profession by an order of a competent authority made personally in respect of that member, or (b) ceases to be a member of the profession otherwise than at the request of that member.
Section 11Verify source
§ 12Tenure of office of membersProvision

Most Commission and Regional Lands Commission chairmen and members serve a four-year term and may be reappointed.

Section 12—Tenure of office of members (1) The chairman and the other members of the Commission and the chairman and members of a Regional Lands Commission, other than the Executive Secretary and a Regional Lands Officer, shall hold office for a term of four years and may be eligible for reappointment. (2) The office of the chairman or any other member of the Commission or the chairman or any other member of a Regional Lands Commission, other than the Executive Secretary and the Regional Lands Officer, shall become vacant if that person (a) ceases to hold office under subsection (1), (b) becomes disqualified under section 11 (1), (c) ceases to hold office under section 16(4), or (d) is removed from office by the President, or, in the case of a member of a Regional Lands Commission, by the Minister for inability to perform the functions of office or for a stated misbehaviour.
Section 12Verify source
§ 13Resignation of membersProvision

Certain Commission and Regional Lands Commission members may resign by giving notice to the President or the Minister, respectively.

Section 13—Resignation of members (1) The chairman or any other member of the Commission may resign from office by notice addressed to the President. (2) The chairman or any other member of a Regional Lands Commission may resign from office by notice addressed to the Minister. 8
Section 13Verify source
§ 14Removal of membersProvision

The President may remove the chairman or a Commission member from office, and the Minister may remove the chairman or another Regional Lands Commission member, if there is inability to perform office functions or stated misbehaviour.

Section 14—Removal of members (1) The chairman or a member of the Commission may be removed from office by the President for inability to perform the functions of office or for a stated misbehaviour. (2) The chairman or any other member of a Regional Lands Commission may be removed from office by the Minister for inability to perform the functions of office or for a stated misbehaviour.
Section 14Verify source
§ 15Filling of vacanciesProvision

If a chairman vacancy arises, the commission members must elect an acting chairman, and the President or Minister may appoint an acting member when a member’s seat becomes vacant.

Section 15—Filling of vacancies (1) Where the chairman of the Commission or the chairman of a Regional Lands Commission dies, resigns or is removed from office or is by reason of illness or any other sufficient cause unable to perform the functions of office, the members of the Commission or of the Regional Lands Commission shall elect one of their number to act as chairman until the chairman is able to perform the functions of office or until a new chairman is appointed. (2) Where a member of the Commission or of a Regional Lands Commission dies, resigns or otherwise ceases to hold office, or is by reason of illness or any other sufficient cause unable to perform the functions of office, the President or the Minister may appoint another person nominated by the body concerned to act until the member is able to resume the performance of the functions of office or until a new member is appointed. (3) Where a person is elected as chairman or appointed a member to fill a vacancy, that person shall hold office for the remainder of the term of the previous chairman or member and is eligible, subject to the Constitution and this Act, for re-appointment, re-election or re- nomination.
Section 15Verify source
§ 16Meetings of the Commission or Regional Lands CommissionProvision

The Commission or a Regional Lands Commission must meet at least every three months, have a quorum of half its membership, and follow the listed meeting rules.

Section 16—Meetings of the Commission (1) The Commission or a Regional Lands Commission shall meet at least once in every three months for the dispatch of business at a time and place determined by the Commission or the Regional Lands Commission. (2) The quorum at a meeting of the Commission or of a Regional Lands Commission shall be one half of the membership of the Commission or the Regional Lands Commission. (3) The chairman shall preside at meetings of the Commission or the Regional Lands Commission, and in the absence of the chairman a member of the Commission or the Regional Lands Commission appointed by the members present from among their number shall preside. (4) A member of the Commission or of a Regional Lands Commission who is absent without sufficient reason from three consecutive meetings ceases to be a member of the Commission or of the Regional Lands Commission. (5) The validity of the proceedings of the Commission or of a Regional Lands Commission shall not be affected by a vacancy in its membership or a defect in the appointment or qualification of a member. (6) Questions before the Commission or of a Regional Lands Commission shall be decided by a majority of the members present and voting. 9 (7) The chairman or the person presiding at a meeting of the Commission or of a Regional Lands Commission shall in the event of equality of votes have a casting vote. (8) The chairman of the Commission or of the Regional Lands Commission shall summon a special meeting of the Commission or the Regional Lands Commission within fourteen days of the receipt of a written request for the special meeting signed by not less than four members of the Commission or the Regional Lands Commission. (9) Except as provided in this Act, the Commission or a Regional Lands Commission shall regulate the procedure at its meetings.
Section 16Verify source
§ 17Power to co-optProvision

The Commission or a Regional Lands Commission may co-opt a person to advise at meetings, but the co-opted person cannot vote.

Section 17—Power to co-opt The Commission or a Regional Lands Commission may co-opt a person to act as an adviser at its meetings but a co-opted person is not entitled to vote at the meeting.
Section 17Verify source
§ 18Appointment of committees AdministrationProvision

The Commission or a Regional Lands Commission may appoint committees to help with its functions. If a committee has only non-members, it may only advise the Commission or a Regional Lands Commission.

Section 18—Appointment of committees The Commission or a Regional Lands Commission may appoint a committee composed of members or non-members or both to assist in the performance of its functions, except that a committee composed entirely of non-members may only advise the Commission or a Regional Lands Commission. Administration
Section 18Verify source
§ 19Divisions of the CommissionProvision

The Commission has divisions for Survey and Mapping, Land Registration, Land Valuation, and Public and Vested Lands Management, and it may determine other divisions.

Section 19—Divisions of the Commission The Commission shall have the following divisions: (a) Survey and Mapping, (b) Land Registration, (c) Land Valuation, (d) Public and Vested Lands Management, and (e) any other Division the Commission may determine.
Section 19Verify source
§ 20Functions of the Survey and Mapping DivisionAmendment

The Survey and Mapping Division is given a set of functions covering land surveying, mapping, records custody, boundary work, and related survey coordination.

Section 20—Functions of the Survey and Mapping Division The Survey and Mapping Division has the following functions: (a) supervise, regulate and control the survey and demarcation of land for the purposes of land use and land registration; (b) take custody of and preserve records that relate to the survey of any parcel of land; (c) direct and supervise the conduct of trigonometric, hydrographic, topographic and engineering surveys; (d) coordinate the preparation of plans from the data derived from survey and any amendment of the plans; (e) coordinate the production of photogrammetric surveys including aerial photography, orthophotomapping, and remote sensing; 10 (f) survey, map and maintain the national territorial boundaries including maritime boundaries; (g) supervise and regulate operations that relate to survey of any parcel of land: (h) develop and maintain the national geodetic reference network for the country; (i) supervise, regulate, control and certify the production of maps; and (j) other functions determined by the Commission.
Section 20Verify source
§ 21Functions of the Land Registration DivisionProvision

The Land Registration Division may publish registration notices, register titles and certain deeds or instruments affecting land, maintain land registers, and carry out other functions set by the Commission.

Section 21—Functions of the Land Registration Division The functions of the Land Registration Division include (a) publication of notices of registration upon receipt of an application for registration; (b) registration of title to land and other interests in land; (c) registration of deeds and other instruments affecting land in areas outside compulsory title registration districts; (d) maintaining land registers that contains records of land and other interests in land. (e) other functions determined by the Commission.
Section 21Verify source
§ 22Functions of the Land Valuation DivisionProvision

The Land Valuation Division has several listed functions, including valuing compensation for land acquired by government, assessing stamp duty, and valuing certain properties and land interests.

Section 22—Functions of the Land Valuation Division The functions of the Land Valuation Division include (a) assessing the compensation payable upon acquisition of land by the Government; (b) assessment of stamp duty; (c) determining the values of properties rented, purchased, sold or leased by or to Government; (d) preparation and maintenance of valuation list for rating purposes; (e) valuation of interests in land or land related interests for the general public at a fee; (f) valuation of interests in land for the administration of estate duty; and (g) other functions determined by the Commission
Section 22Verify source
§ 23Functions of the Public and Vested Lands Management DivisionProvision

This section lists the Public and Vested Lands Management Division’s functions: helping acquire land for Government, managing state-acquired and vested lands in line with approved land use plans, and carrying out other functions set by the Commission.

Section 23—Functions of the Public and Vested Lands Management Division The functions of the Public and Vested Lands Management Division include (a) facilitating the acquisition of land for Government; (b) managing state acquired and vested lands in conformity with approved land use plans; and (c) other functions determined by the Commission.
Section 23Verify source
§ 24Appointment of Executive SecretaryProvision

The President appoints the Commission’s Executive Secretary, after advice from the Commission and consultation with the Public Services Commission.

Section 24—Appointment of Executive Secretary (1) There shall be an Executive Secretary of the Commission who shall be appointed by the President in accordance with the advice of the Commission given in consultation with the Public Services Commission. 11 (2) The Executive Secretary is the Chief Administrator and the chief Executive Officer of the Commission.
Section 24Verify source
§ 25Secretariat of the Commission 2Provision

The Commission must have a secretariat with listed units, and the units must operate under the chief executive officer.

Section 25—Secretariat of the Commission (1) There shall be a secretariat of the Commission which shall include the following: (a) Client Service Access Unit, (b) General Management and Logistics Unit, (c) Policy Planning, Research and Special Projects Unit, (d) Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, (e) Finance Unit, (f) Human Resource Unit, (g) Internal Audit Unit, (h) Legal Affairs Unit, (i) Land Information Unit, (k) Public Relations Unit, and (l) other units, sub-units or departments the Commission may determine. (2) The Units and departments shall operate under the chief executive officer. (3) The details of the functions of the Units and departments shall be determined by the Chief Executive Officer in consultation with the heads of Divisions and approved by the Commission.
Section 25Verify source
§ 26Functions of the Chief Executive OfficerProvision

The Chief Executive Officer must run the Commission’s day-to-day administration, implement its decisions, and supervise its employees. The CEO may delegate functions to an officer of the Commission but remains ultimately responsible.

Section 26—Functions of the Chief Executive Officer (1) The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the affairs of the Commission and the implementation of the decisions of the Commission subject to the general directions of the Commission. (2) The Chief Executive Officer may delegate any of the functions of the chief executive officer to an officer of the Commission but is not relieved from ultimate responsibility for the performance of the delegated functions. (3) The chief executive officer is responsible for the direction and supervision of the employees of the Commission.
Section 26Verify source
§ 27Deputy Executive SecretariesProvision

The Commission must have two deputy Executive Secretaries appointed by the President, and those deputies must perform functions assigned by the Commission.

Section 27—Deputy Executive Secretaries (1) The Commission shall have two deputy Executive Secretaries appointed by the President in accordance with article 195 of the Constitution. (2) The Deputy Executive Secretaries shall perform such functions as may be assigned to them by the Commission.
Section 27Verify source
§ 28Directors of the Divisions of the CommissionProvision

The President must appoint a director for each Division of the Commission, and each director answers to the Chief Executive Officer when carrying out functions.

Section 28—Directors of the Divisions of the Commission 12 (1) There shall be appointed by the President under article 195 of the Constitution a director for each Division of the Commission. (2) A director of a Division answers to the Chief Executive Officer in the performance of functions.
Section 28Verify source
§ 29Solicitor Secretary to the CommissionProvision

The Commission must have a solicitor secretary, and that person must serve as head of the Legal Affairs Unit, act as the Commission’s secretary, keep meetings minutes, and carry out assigned functions.

Section 29—Solicitor Secretary to the Commission (1) The Commission shall have a solicitor secretary who shall be the head of the Legal Affairs Unit of the Commission. (2) The solicitor secretary shall be the secretary to the Commission and shall subject to the directions of the Chief Executive Officer, arrange the business and arrange to be recorded and kept minutes of meetings of the Commission. (3) The Solicitor Secretary shall also perform functions the Commission may through the Chief Executive Officer direct or the Chief Executive may in writing assign to the Solicitor Secretary.
Section 29Verify source
§ 30Internal AuditorProvision

A Commission or Regional Lands Commission must appoint an internal auditor, and that auditor is answerable to the Chief Executive Officer or the Regional Lands Officer.

Section 30—Internal Auditor (1) There shall be appointed for the Commission or a Regional Lands Commission an internal auditor. (2) The internal auditor is answerable to the Chief Executive Officer or the Regional Lands Officer in the performance of the functions of internal auditor.
Section 30Verify source
§ 31Regional Lands OfficerProvision

A Regional Lands Officer must perform the Chief Executive Officer’s functions in the Region, subject to the CEO’s directions.

Section 31—Regional Lands Officer (1) There shall be appointed in accordance with article 195 of the Constitution a Regional Lands Officer for each Regional Lands Commission. (2) Subject to the directions of the Chief Executive Officer, a Regional Lands Officer shall perform in the Region, the functions of the Chief Executive Officer.
Section 31Verify source
§ 32Other staff for the Commission and Regional Lands Commissions Financial and Miscellaneous ProvisionProvision

The President must appoint other staff needed by the Commission, a Regional Lands Commission, or a District Lands Commission, under article 195 of the Constitution. Other public officers may also be seconded or transferred to the Commission.

Section 32—Other staff for the Commission or a Regional Lands Commission (1) There shall be appointed by the President under article 195 of the Constitution other staff that the Commission, a Regional Lands Commission or a District Lands Commission may require. (2) Other public officers may be seconded or transferred to the Commission. Financial and Miscellaneous Provisions
Section 32Verify source
§ 33Funds of the CommissionProvision

The Commission’s funds can come from Parliament, from other approved sources, and from an approved share of levies, charges, or fees.

Section 33—Funds of the Commission The funds of the Commission include, (a) moneys that Parliament may provide the Commission for the performance of its functions, (b) moneys received by the Commission from any other source approved by the Minister and the Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, (c) a proportion, approved by Parliament of moneys received by the Commission as levies, charges or fees under this Act and any other enactment for services rendered by the Commission. 13
Section 33Verify source
§ 34Accounts and auditProvision

The Commission must keep proper accounts and records, submit them for audit within three months after the financial year ends, and the Auditor-General must audit and report to Parliament within three months of that submission.

Section 34—Accounts and audit (1) The Commission shall keep books of accounts and proper records in relation to those accounts in a form approved by the Auditor-General. (2) The Commission shall not later than three months after the end of the financial year, submit for audit by the Auditor-General its books and records of account. (3) The Auditor-General shall not later than three months after the submission under subsection (2) audit the books and records of accounts and submit a report to Parliament. (4) The financial year of the Commission is the same as the financial year of Government.
Section 34Verify source
§ 35Annual ReportProvision

The Commission must send an annual report to the Minister within six months after the previous financial year ends, and the Minister must table it before Parliament within three months of receiving it.

Section 35—Annual Report (1) The Commission shall as soon as possible after the expiration of each financial year but within six months after the end of the preceding financial year, submit to the Minister an annual report that deals generally with the activities of the Commission. (2) The report shall include (a) a copy of the audited accounts of the Commission together with the Auditor-General's report on it, and (b) any other information required by the Minister. (3) The Commission shall submit to the Minister any other reports on its activities required by the Minister. (4) The Minister shall as soon as possible but not later than three months after receiving the annual report lay the report before Parliament with comments the Minister considers necessary.
Section 35Verify source
§ 36Access to informationProvision

The Commission or a Regional Lands Commission is entitled to access State department information and records needed to perform its functions.

Section 36—Access to information For the purpose of performance of its functions, the Commission or a Regional Lands Commission shall have access to information and records of any department of State which are reasonably necessary for the purpose.
Section 36Verify source
§ 37OffencesOffence

A person commits an offence if they give false or misleading information, refuse required information or documents, or obstruct authorized inspection by the Commission or a Regional Lands Commission.

Section 37—Offences A person who (a) on request by the Commission or a Regional Lands Commission for information deliberately or negligently submits a false or misleading statement, or (b) upon due notice refuses without reasonable excuse to give information or provide a document which the Commission or a Regional Lands Commission reasonably requires for the purposes of its functions, or (c) upon due notice refuses without lawful excuse to admit an officer or duly designated agent of the Commission or a Regional Lands Commission authorised on to the business or other premises or otherwise obstructs inspection which has been authorised by the Commission or a Regional Lands Commission, 14 commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months or to both.
Section 37Verify source
§ 38Offences by bodies corporateOffence

This section treats certain directors, managers, secretaries, officers, or partners as having committed an offence when a body corporate or partnership commits an offence under the Act or its regulations, unless the person proves lack of consent or connivance and due diligence.

Section 38—Offences by bodies corporate (1) Where an offence under this Act or Regulation made under this Act is committed by a body of persons (a) in the case of a body corporate, other than a partnership, every director, manager, secretary or officer of similar status of that body corporate shall be deemed to have committed that offence; (b) in the case of a partnership, every partner or officer of similar status shall be deemed to have committed that offence. (2) A person shall not be convicted of an offence under subsection (1) if it is proved that the act was committed by another person without the consent or connivance of that person and that due diligence was exercised to prevent the commission of that act as ought to have been done having regard to the circumstances.
Section 38Verify source
§ 39RegulationsProvision

The Minister may, after consulting the Commission, make regulations by legislative instrument on the listed land administration topics.

Section 39—Regulations The Minister in consultation with the Commission may by legislative instrument make Regulations (a) on standards for survey, mapping, aerial photography and remote sensing (b) relating to registration of titles and deeds, (c) on valuation and rating, (d) relating to sustainable land management (e) providing for fees and charges required to be paid under this Act, and (f) generally for the full and effective implementation of the provisions of this Act.
Section 39Verify source
§ 40Dissolution of Specified BodiesProvision

Section 40 dissolves the listed agencies and offices that existed immediately before this Act took effect.

Section 40—Dissolution of Specified Bodies The following agencies and offices in existence immediately before the coming into force of this Act are hereby dissolved (a) the Survey Department; (b) the Land Valuation Board; (c) the Land Title Registry; (d) the Land Registry; and (e) the Lands Commission.
Section 40Verify source
§ 41Transfer of assets, obligations and rightsProvision

Certain assets, records, rights, obligations, and liabilities are transferred to the Commission established under section 1.

Section 41—Transfer of assets, obligations and rights Subject to section 43 (2) the assets, records, rights, obligations and liabilities of (a) the Lands Commission; 15 (b) the Survey Department; (c) the Land Valuation Board; (f) the Land Title Registry; and (g) the Lands Registry in existence immediately before the coming into force of this Act, are transferred to the Commission established under section 1.
Section 41Verify source
§ 42InterpretationInterpretation

This section defines several terms used in the Act, including “Chief Executive Officer,” “Commission,” “Minister,” and “traditional authority.”

Section 42—Interpretation In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, "Chief Executive Officer" means the Executive Secretary, "Commission" means the Lands Commission established under section 1, "Minister" means the Minister responsible for Lands; "traditional authority" includes a House of Chiefs or a council or body established or recognised under the customary law as a traditional authority.
Section 42Verify source
§ 43RepealRepeal

This section repeals the Lands Commission Act, 1994 and deletes “Surveys Division” from a schedule in the Civil Service (Structure) Regulations 1961.

Section 43—Repeal and deletion (1) The Lands Commission Act, 1994 (Act 483) is repealed. (2) The Civil Service (Structure) Regulations 1961 (L.I. 139) is amended by the deletion of "Surveys Division" in the First Schedule, Part II under the heading Ministry of Works and Housing.
Section 43Verify source
§ 44Transitional and saving provisionsRepeal

This section moves certain personnel to the new Commission and preserves existing rights, benefits, and service terms during the transition.

Section 44—Transitional and Saving Provisions (1) The President shall, in accordance with the advice of the Commission given in consultation with the Public Services Commission and within a period the President shall determine upon the coming into force of this Act, transfer to the Commission established under this Act such number, as the President may determine, of personnel employed immediately before the coming into force of this Act for the Lands Commission, the Land Title Registry, the Lands Registry, the Survey Department and the Lands Valuation Board. (2) Where a person to whom subsection (1) applies is not transferred under the subsection the appointing authority shall deal with the appointment as he considers fit including payment of the applicable retirement benefits and severance awards. (3) The President may delegate his power under subsections (1) and (2) to the Commission or a member of the Commission or to any public officer. (4) A transfer to the Commission shall for the purposes of pension or other retirement benefits constitute a continuous service in the public service. (5) The terms and conditions of service of a person transferred to the Commission under subsection (1) shall not be less favourable than those applicable to him immediately before the coming into force of this Act. 16 (6) Despite the repeal of the Lands Commission Act 1994 (Act 483), every statutory instrument made under it and every right, authorisation, permit, licence or certificate granted under the Act and in force immediately before the coming into force of this Act shall continue in force as if made or granted under this Act. (7) Despite the repeal of the Lands Commission Act, 1994 (Act 483), the Chairman and members of the Lands Commission and the Regional Lands Commission may continue to hold office for the unexpired period of their statutory appointment term subject to the powers of the President and the Minister, provided for in Article 264(2)(c) of the Constitution.
Section 44Verify source
§ 45Consequential amendmentsProvision

When this Act starts, certain references in listed land and survey laws are to be treated as references to the Commission, and the affected provisions are to be read with necessary modifications unless the context requires otherwise.

Section 45—Consequential amendments On the coming into force of this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, a reference in (a) the Land Registry Act 1962 (Act 122), (b) the Survey Act 1962 (Act 127), (c) the Land Title Registration Act, 1986 (P.N.D.C.L. 152), and (d) any other legislation in force to "Land Registry", "Land Title Registry", "Chief Registrar of Lands", "Registrar of Lands", "Land Registrar", "Director of Survey", "Survey Department", "Survey Division", "official surveyor" or Land Valuation Board shall be deemed to be a reference to the Commission and the provision concerned shall be read with the necessary modifications. Date of Gazette Notification: 12th December, 2008
Section 45Verify source

Legislative relationships

5 referenced instruments

Names are derived from the stored provision headings and citation-enrichment layer. Treat this as a research index and verify each relationship against the source text.

A–F

1 instrument

  • Commission or the Regional Lands Commission. (9) Except as provided in this Act

    Section 16

G–M

2 instruments

  • Lands Commission (1) There is established by this Act

    Section 1

  • Lands Commission Act

    Section 44

N–S

1 instrument

  • Specified Bodies Section 40 dissolves the listed agencies and offices that existed immediately before this Act

    Section 40

T–Z

1 instrument

  • This section repeals the Lands Commission Act, 1994

    Section 43

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