(Ecofin Agency) - “Inclusive land management for sustainable growth: time for action”. This is the theme under which was launched the National Land Forum opened in Lomé, Togo, on April 18th.

Prime Minister Komi Selom Klassou, explained on the sidelines of the event that the event was organized because “all cities, including Lomé, the capital, as well as our hamlets, without exception, have become quite important in regards to land and there, urban and agricultural speculations, tensions and conflicts are getting more and more concerning”.

According to the PM, land issue is a “major issue in the country”. “It is sensitive and concerns the Togolese people. It is complex but can be solved,” he added.

Issues of multiple sales, land spoliation of stolen or fake properties, illegal occupation of administrative reserves, and inadequate functioning of administrative institutions, among others are being discussed at the workshop which ends on April 21.

“Faced with an ever-growing demography and land-related needs, we need urgent reforms to deal with tenure insecurity which gives rise to land insecurity and sometimes represent a block to economic growth…,” said the Prime Minister.

According Komi Klassou who wished for key actors at prefectural, regional and national levels to get more involved in the resolution of the issue. The President’s administration wishes for a social consensus to be reached regarding laws that will put in place in the land sector in Togo, for the sake of transparency and security, he added.