Implementing Institutional Reforms For Sustainable Good Governance In Land Administration And Management – Under “The Lantern'' Of Change Management Tools, Techniques, Tips And Tricks

Universally, It is acknowledged that land together with its resources form the bedrock of the development of a country. It is a key factor in the fight against poverty alleviation. Our land is our heritage. It is the embodiment of our physicality and spirituality. It is our essence, and a veritable source of our livelihood and wealth creation. The land mass of Ghana with a total area of 238,553sq.kms contributes our political sovereignty,, the foundation of our socio-cultural values and economic power. Indeed, the centrality of our land to our socio-economic development is ed to our natural resources endowment. These resources which include mineral, forests wetlands, water bodies underpin our existence as a people. Their sustainable and responsible management and administration and equitable distribution of the benefits are essential for sustainable livelihoods. With a strong natural resource base, our economy is basically a land-based economy which supports a population of about 31,732,129 (UN estimate 2021). It is estimated that about 136,000km2 of land covering 57% of the country's is classified as ''agricultural land area'' Approximately 52% of the labour force is engaged in agriculture. This sector, it is estimated contributes about 54% of the country's GDP, accounts for over 40% of our export earnings. The Forestry sector contributes about 6% of the GDP, 11% of export earnings and contributes about 100,000 for the labour force employment (FAO 2010). The Mining sector contributes 2% of GDP and 28.3% of Government revenue (GSGDA 2014-2017). In spite of the importance of land in our national economy, the administration and management of land and land resources have been confronted with numerous challenges among which lack of consultation with key stakeholders in the area of compulsory land acquisition and delay in compensation payments, legal pluralism, indeterminate customary land boundaries, lack of accountability, probity and transparency on the part of some traditional authorities in the management of land and its resources, fragmented institutional arrangements with weak capacity. In the natural resources arena, it has been estimated that environmental degradation costs between 5-10% of the GDP and with this the Forestry sector accounts for 63% (USD$ 500 million of the cost-Forestry Commission 2010). Since the 1990s the country lost more than 33.7% of its Forests (FAO). The rate of deforestation between 2005 to 2010 was estimated at 2.19%- the 6th highest rate globally for the period (FAO). Illegal mining also results in huge sums of lost revenue. In 2016 alone, an estimated $2.3 billion worth of gold le the shores of Ghana through galamsey. The illicit trade avoids taxation and the prevalence of foreign actors means that profits typically flow out of the country. Despite its importance in the country's socio-economic development, its negative impact on the country's environment is evidenced in water pollution, destruction of flora and fauna, land degradation and metal contamination of our soils. Good governance occupies the central stage in the discussion in land administration and management. Failings in good governance have adverse consequences for society as a whole, Good governance can help achieve economic development and poverty alleviaon. Any Instuonal reform involves changing the status quo and in this resistance cannot be ruled out Successful institutional reform can be achieved through the appreciation and application of Organizational Change Management tools, techniques and resistant management.