Restoring Discipline and Transparency in Land Administration

By Benjamin S Conteh

We must address a critical issue that continues to undermine the proper management of land in our country. There are growing concerns over how decisions are made and how meetings essential for coordination are being delayed or forgotten altogether. It appears that certain entities only respond or demand action once pressure is applied, which is unacceptable for matters of national importance.

We cannot afford to miss or overlook meetings that are crucial for development planning. While it’s true we did not have prior meetings regarding this specific matter, we must ensure that such oversights do not happen again. Failing to meet and coordinate effectively results in the loss of other opportunities and delays in key decision-making processes.

I am scheduled to have a meeting with the Ministry of Lands because I have made a decision concerning the allocation of 50 acres of land. This meeting is not just a formality it is a necessary step to ensure transparency and proper coordination. However, once a decision is made, it seems to trigger a wave of reactions from various quarters, including the Ministry, Members of Parliament, and others who suddenly become involved sometimes inappropriately.

It is especially concerning that members of the judiciary are occasionally drawn into these matters in ways that are not aligned with their mandate. While we fully respect the independence of the judiciary, we must also ensure that no institution regardless of its status acts outside of its role or contributes to disorder. We must be able to call attention to these issues without fear, because this is not how a country should be run.

For governance to be effective, there must be order, accountability, and timely cooperation between all involved parties. It is time we instill discipline in our systems and demand responsibility at every level.