Organogram

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR THE MINISTRY OF LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCES

In keeping with its mandate, the Ministry has been appropriately structured in line with the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and the  Civil Service Law, 1993 (PNDC Law 327) to:

  • Provide effective leadership and guidance, to the lands and natural resources broad sector of the economy through sound strategic policy formulation, research, statistics and information management, human resource development and general administration and finance;
  • Ensure the establishment of a regulatory framework and setting of standards, to groom the lands and natural resources sector, and, in the management of the sector in a sustainable manner;
  • Promote activities needed to underpin sector standards and policies required for planning and monitoring sector strategic development projects and programmes, designed to contribute to the attainment of Ghana’s middle income aspirations though the Ministry’s Departments and Agencies and key actors/stakeholders.

To effectively deliver its mandate, vision, mission, objectives and functions of providing excellent sector policy direction and service to its stakeholders and clients, the Ministry is structured as follows:

The Ministerial Team comprising the Minister and his two Deputies, to provide the political leadership of the Ministry. They are assisted by the Chief Director. Section 20 of the Civil Service Law, 1993 (PNDC Law 327) stipulates that the Chief Director is to act as the Bureaucratic Head of the Ministry. The Chief Director is supported by the following Directorates: Policy Planning, Budget, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPBME), Finance and Administration, Human Resource Management and Development (HRMD), Research Statistics and Management Information System (RSMIS), Lands, Forestry and Mines.

Since the Ministry is principally a policy formulating, coordinating, monitoring and evaluation organization, the under listed organizations are responsible for the implementation activities of the Ministry:

  • Lands Commission;
  • Office of the Administration of Stool Lands;
  • Forestry Commission;
  • Minerals Commission;
  • Geological Survey Authority
  • Ghana Integrated Aluminum Development Cooperation;
  • Ghana Integrated Iron And Steel
  • Ghana Boundary Commission;
  • Forest Plantation Development Board;
  • Minerals Development Fund

The Ministry is currently involved in running  the under listed projects which are:

  • Land Administration Project (LAP);
  • Natural Resource Management Programme (NRMP);
  • National Forest Plantation Development Programme (NFPD);
  • Wildlife Division Support Project (WDSP);

KEY UNITS OF THE MLNR

  • Honorable Minister’s Secretariat;
  • Honorable Deputy Minister’s Secretariat;
  • Chief Director’s Secretariat;
  • Public Relations Unit (PRU);
  • Internal Audit Unit (IAU).

DIRECTORATES OF THE MLNR

  • Lands Directorate;
  • Forestry Directorate;
  • Mines Directorate;
  • Policy Planning, Budget, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPBME) Directorate;
  • Research, Statistics and Management Information System (RSMIS) Directorate;
  • Human Resource Management and Development (HRMD) Directorate;
  • Finance Administration Directorate.

POLITICAL LEADERSHIP

The Ministry is headed by a Minister and supported by two Deputy Ministers to provide political leadership of the elected government.

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF DIRECTOR

The position of a Chief Director in a Ministry is governed by Sections 20(1) and (2) of the Civil Service Law, 1993 (PNDC Law 327).

According to the provisions of the Law, the Chief Director shall be the Chief Advisor to the sector Minister on all policies and other matters related to the Sector.

The specific tasks of the Chief Director include:

  • Provide leadership and guidance for determining policies and objectives within the Sector and the implementation of the policies and objectives;
  • Coordinate work programmes and provides rules, guidelines and procedures to facilitate the achievement of targets set by the Ministry.

The Chief Director’s Secretariat performs the following functions:

  • Ensure effective horizontal co-ordination and collaboration amongst the directorates at the MLNR and between the Ministry and its agencies;
  • Provide leadership and guidance for determining, implementing and reviewing policies and objectives for the MLNR;
  • Co-ordinate the activities and work performance of the various Directorates and Units of the Ministry;
  • Provide rules, guidelines  and procedures to facilitate the achievement of targets set by the MLNR in its work programme;
  •  Oversee to the day-to-day administration of the MLNR; and
  • Provide secretarial support services to the Chief Director.

The Chief Director carries out the performance of his/her duties with the support of the following Directorates and Units established under the Ministry:

  • Honorable Minister’s Secretariat;
  • Honorable Deputy Minister’s Secretariat;
  • Chief Director’s Secretariat;
  • Public Relations Unit (PRU);
  • Internal Audit Unit (IAU);
  • Land Directorate;
  • Forestry Directorate;
  • Mines Directorate;
  • Policy Planning, Budget, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPBME) Directorate;
  • Research, Statistics and Management Information System (RSMIS) Directorate;
  • Human Resource Management and Development (HRMD) Directorate;
  • Finance and Administration Directorate

The Directorates are headed by Directors or officers of analogous grades in the Civil Service.

PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT (PRU)

Functions

  • Develop, implement and review communication strategies for MLNR;
  • Ensure that  details of  MLNR’s activities are communicated appropriately to all relevant offices and the public;
  • Research and evaluate complaints, enquiries and reactions from the public on MLNR activities and respond appropriately;
  • Prepare and supervise the production of publicity brochures, hand-outs, photographs, films and multimedia programmes;
  • Organise special events such as press conferences, soirees exhibitions, open days and tours;
  • Maintain and update information on the MLNR website in collaboration with MIS;
  • Use appropriate methods to maintain the identity, name and reputation of MLNR; and 
  • Prepare mid-year and annual reports on the activities of the Unit.

INTERNAL AUDIT UNIT (IAU)

This Unit is established in compliance to Internal Audit Agency Act, 2003 (Act 658) which states that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) should establish an Internal Audit Unit to assist management to fulfill its responsibilities and to achieve its corporate objectives.

Functions

  • Carry out assurance and professional evaluation of the activities of the MLNR;
  • Ensure that the system of internal controls provide reasonable assurance to Management;
  • Provide a means for keeping the management of MLNR fully informed about problems and deficiencies related to the administration of its programmes and operations and the necessity for appropriate corrective action;
  • Facilitate the prevention and detection of fraud, abuse and waste;
  • Ensure that risks are adequately managed; and
  • Ensure that financial, managerial and operating information provided internally and externally is accurate, reliable, timely and comply with the laws, policies, plans, standards and procedures.

ADMINISTRATION DIVISION

The Administration Division provides administrative, managerial, secretarial, logistical and maintenance services to ensure the attainment of organizational goals. 

It has eight (8) functional areas, namely Office of the Director for Finance and Administration, Procurement, Stores, Estate, Transport, Typing Pool, Registry and Security. This Division is the focal point for harmonizing functions /activities of the Ministry for the advancement of the goals and objectives of the Ministry by performing the following functions:

  • Offer effective administrative support to enable the Honorable Minister to meet his obligations towards Cabinet and Parliament. This involves timely preparation of answers to Parliamentary Questions for the Minister to attend upon Parliament’s request;
  • Play a lead role in preparing of speeches for Honorable Minister and Deputy Minister;
  • Handle correspondence relating to major issues between Hon. Minister and High Commissioners, Ambassadors, International Organisations etc;
  • Play major administrative role in the organisation of donors’ conferences, sod-cutting ceremonies for commencement of projects and inauguration of completed projects;
  •  Supervise and manage the Ministry’s vehicles and office equipment;
  • Ensure an effective record management system for the Ministry;
  • Collaborate with the Public Relations Officer in the implementation of effective protocol services for the Minister, Deputy Ministers and key personnel of the Ministry;
  •  Schedule and compile quarterly, annual and special reports for the Ministry and its Agencies;
  • Ensure prompt and quality delivery of services to the general public and the private sector;
  • Manage the personnel of the MLNR, including their data (i.e recruitment, promotion, training, leave, staff appraisal, welfare, salary payments etc);
  • Manage general services of the MLNR e.g. Security, Estate, Store, and Transport and general cleanliness;
  • Maintain an assets register for the MLNR;
  •  Facilitate the procurement of works, goods, and services for the Ministry;
  • Establish and maintain a well-functioning records management system for the MLNR  ; and
  • Liaise with the other directorates to produce the MLNR Annual Report.

Transport Unit

The purpose of the Unit is to support and facilitate transportation and movement of staff or its designated persons, logistics and services in the various project locations where work is carried out. It is responsible for the efficient running and management of the fleet of government vehicles at the Ministry.

Security Unit

This Unit ensures the provision of adequate protection of life and state property against all kinds of threats within the Ministry. It also maintains public order as and when necessary.

Procurement And Stores Unit

Functions

  •  Implement procurement procedures and guidelines for the employment of contractors, consultants and suppliers in accordance with national and international guidelines;
  • Provide input into and collaborate with related agencies and the Ministry in the formulation and review of national procurement policies for works, goods and services;
  • Prepare, coordinate and monitor the annual procurement plan for all services, goods and work programmes of the Ministry;
  • Develop standards, rates and cost indicators for all programmes of the Ministry;
  • Update the Ministry’s and its agencies about the various procedures and bid evaluation formats currently in use;
  • Establishe and review thresholds for procurement of services, goods and works of the Ministry;
  • Review standard procurement documents and agreements for consultant, contractors and suppliers;
  • Review evaluation reports on engagement of consultants, contractors and suppliers for the Ministry;
  • Facilitate annual procurement audits of all processes and procedures of the Ministry;
  • Facilitate Entity Tender Committee and Ministerial Tender Review Board meetings.

FINANCE DIVISION

FINANCE DIVISION

The Finance Division is made up of the following three (3) Units:

  • The General Accounts Office;
  • The Treasury;
  • The Project Accounts Office.  

The Finance Division functions to reform and codify the budgeting, finance and accounting procedures to promote higher sense of transparency and accountability by performing the following functions:

  • Prompt processing of payment vouchers and the issues cheques to Agencies, Contractors and Suppliers for service provided;
  •  Respond to Financial Audit observations made by Auditors during the year;
  • Prepare weekly and monthly returns to the Controller & Accountant General’s Department and the Ministry of Finance;
  •  Assist in the preparation of the Annual Budget Estimates;
  •  Prepare quarterly Financial Management Reports and Annual Financial Reports;
  •  Offer financial advice to Management on financial matters in accordance with the Finance and Administration Act, the Finance and Administration Regulation and other relevant Finance Act and Regulation; and
  • Provide regular returns/reports to the Chief Director.

 HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT  DIRECTORATE

The Human Resource Management and Development (HRMD) Directorate is responsible for the human resource development policies for the sector and its sub-sectors and for the effective management and upgrading of the sectors directly under the Ministry.

The HRMD Directorate functions to:

  • Enhance the technical and analytical skills of staff in all relevant areas in order to create a knowledge-based Ministry and Sector;
  • Identify the existing capacity and skill gaps and determine the institutional and human capacity requirements for the effective and efficient implementation of the mandates of the Ministry and its Departments and Agencies;
  •  Ensure the recruitment and retention of qualified, competent and disciplined personnel with proven record of excellence and professionalism through a systematic and transparent recruitment process;
  •  Develop a suitable and sustainable training programme for meeting the skill requirements; and
  • Institute a mechanism for skills transfer through technical assistance and relevant consultancy services.

POLICY PLANNING, BUDGET, MONITORING AND EVALUATION (PPBME) DIRECTORATE

The PPBME Directorate is responsible for monitoring and evaluation of plans, programmes/projects and policies of the Ministry.  It is also responsible for the coordination and monitoring and evaluation of the activities of all the Directorates of the Ministry. The Directorate focuses on co-ordinating the inputs of the other directorates to facilitate policy formulation and its interpretation.

Policy Planning/Budget Unit

Functions

  • Coordinate the policies of the various Directorates of Ministry to serve as a reference point;
  • Study and review all existing government and ministerial policies relating to the Ministry and its Agencies;
  • Educate staff of the Ministry and its Agencies on all government policies relating to their operations and activities;
  • Formulate and communicate ministerial policies to all Agencies under the Ministry;
  • Institutionalize strategic thinking, planning and management in the Ministry and all its Agencies;
  • Identify possible sources of funding for all activities and programmes;
  • Coordinate the preparation and monitoring of annual budgets of the Ministry;
  • Supervise Donor Coordination in the planning programming and implementation of Donor Supported Programmes of the Ministry and its Agencies;
  • Prepare and submit annual programmes of activities relating to Policy and Planning of the Ministry and all its Agencies for the ensuing year and associated financial budget with necessary justification;
  • Collate and compile quarterly and annual reports of all activities and programmes relating to policy planning of the Ministry and its Agencies.

Monitoring and Evaluation Unit

 Functions

  • Develop systems for monitoring and evaluating programmes and activities of the Ministry and its Agencies;
  • Monitor the projects and programmes implementation of the Sector;
  • Evaluate the impact of the outputs and outcomes of the projects and programmes on the national economy.  These activities are carried out at three levels namely, sector programme and project; data collection and analysis, and projects inspection;
  • Review projects’ progress reports.

RESEARCH, STATISTICS  AND  MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS DIRECTORATE

Functions
         
 

  • Collate and compile quarterly and annual reports of all activities and programmes relating to policy;
  •  Promote the use of ICT for a quicker transformation of the operations and business of the Ministry;
  •  Manage information, conduct research and train staff in information technology to enhance their efficiency in the provisions of services;
  •  Use research findings and information technology to improve the formulation of policy in the Sector;
  • Provide support and assistance to institutions undertaking research into areas that are beneficial to the Ministry;
  • Maintain an efficient IT infrastructure to enhance efficient service delivery to both the public and private sectors of the economy;
  • Provide advice to the Ministry in the acquisition of IT infrastructure.

LANDS DIRECTORATE

 The Lands Directorate formulates National Land Policies, strategies and programmes on land as part of the continuous process of reforming the Lands Sector. The Directorate formulates Ghana’s Lands Policies in consultation with the Departments and Agencies of the Ministry, the Public and Traditional Authorities and other stakeholders to ensure an effective development and sustainable utilization of lands by formulating policies to:

  •  Complete the Land and Land Use Planning Bills and their accompanying Legislative Instruments to provide legal framework for Land Administration;
  • Extend operations of the Land Courts to improve the adjudication of land cases;
  • Decentralise and improve business and land service delivery processes;
  • Establish more Customary Land Secretariats and build the capacity of existing ones ;
  • Complete the Business Process Re-engineering started under the LAP-1 to shorten the time taken to deliver services and reduce the face-to-face contacts between clients and staff of the Lands Commission;
  • Develop a sustainable spatial information service by producing up-to-date base maps and other spatial activities;
  • Undertake customary boundary demarcation on demand and upon agreement between the Ministry and Customary Authorities based on guidelines to be developed;
  • Monitor and coordinate National Lands Policies;
  • Undertake comprehensive public education on land issues in the country such as access to quality land information, integrated land management, accelerated land acquisition and communal land registration.

FORESTRY DIRECTORATE

The Forestry Directorate develops policies to support sustainable forest management, oversees the Sector and ensures that policies at all levels are coherent. This includes international liaison on sustainable forest management and the promotion of the Forest Sector through policy initiatives.

 MINES DIRECTORATE

The major functions of the Directorate are formulating policies for (i) the administration of mines and minerals, (ii) collection of mineral revenue, (iii) prevention and control of illegal mining and smuggling of minerals, (iv) enforcement of statutory provisions for exploration of minerals, (v) peripheral development of mining areas, (vi) chemical analysis of ores and minerals (vii) collection of royalty and rent and resolving boundary disputes.