Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, responsible for Lands and Forestry, has assured Ghanaians that all land papers held by the Lands Commission's Accra Regional Office are secure and sound.
He said this in response to a social media rumor that rains had damaged all land records at the Greater Accra Regional Lands Commission head office, including those from the Achimota forest.
"Yes, it is true that rain got into the building from the construction site nextdoor," Hon. Benito told the media during an inspection of the flooded offices at the Lands Commission on Monday, May 23rd, 2022. "However, upon arrival to verify the reports, nothing has been destroyed as most documents were safely placed on shelves," he added.
He went on to say that even documents that had been soaked by precipitation would be replaced. "All of the records that were ruined by the water will be reproduced and replaced, according to the Executive Secretary. There is no need to be concerned about the electronic data."
To avoid a repetition of this incident, the Deputy Minister stated that no documents will be kept on the floor in the offices going ahead.
He emphasized that the rain was an act of God that could not be foreseen, and that it should not be tied to the Achimota Forest land drama or any other property dispute since it would be unjust.
"We notice your efforts and we appreciate it, Keep up the excellent job," Hon. Owusu-Bio said, encouraging and thanking the Lands Commission personnel for their dedication despite the present events.
Mr. James Dadson, the Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, stated that the basement, records, records annex, and the digital capturing room were all affected by the rain, but he was quick to add that most of the documents were retrieved and dried by the sun, and that those that could not be dried will be reprinted and replaced.
"We observe and appreciate your efforts; keep up the good work," Hon. Owusu-Bio stated, encouraging and appreciating the Lands Commission workers for their commitment despite the current circumstances.
Mr. James Dadson, the Lands Commission's Executive Secretary, stated that the rain had affected the basement, records, records annex, and the digital capturing room, but that most of the documents had been retrieved and dried by the sun, and that those that could not be dried would be reprinted and replaced.