In a bold and decisive move, President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate cessation of all activities involving the sale, lease, or processing of State and Public Lands.
This directive, communicated through a formal letter dated January 11, 2025, from the Office of the President, seeks to safeguard the nation’s lands for the collective benefit of current and future generations.
The directive, signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Executive Secretary to the President, instructs the Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission to halt all ongoing and pending transactions related to State and Public Lands.
This sweeping measure aims to facilitate a thorough review of the current framework governing the management of such lands. The President’s directive underscores the critical importance of preserving State and Public Lands as national assets.
The letter emphasized that the review process is intended to ensure that these lands are managed in accordance with the broader interests of the citizenry. “This directive has been issued to protect and preserve State and Public Lands for the collective benefit of the citizenry and future generations,” the letter stated.
Immediate Action and Accountability
The Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission was also mandated to provide a comprehensive report of all recent and ongoing transactions involving State and Public Lands.
The report, which is to be submitted within 14 days of the directive, is expected to shed light on the extent of land transactions and provide a basis for the comprehensive review.
By halting all sales and leases, the government is signaling a firm commitment to addressing potential irregularities and ensuring transparency in land management.
This approach aligns with the administration’s broader goal of promoting accountability and safeguarding national resources.
Stakeholders and civil society groups have previously raised concerns about irregularities and lack of transparency in allocating state and public land. This decisive action is expected to address such concerns and restore public confidence in land administration.
The President’s directive reflects a broader commitment to transparency and good governance in the management of Ghana’s natural resources.
It aligns with his campaign promise to curb corruption and improve efficiency across public institutions. Political analysts view this move as a strategic effort to address longstanding grievances regarding land transactions and ensure equity in the allocation of public lands.
By initiating a comprehensive review, the government is expected to unveil reforms aimed at streamlining processes and enhancing oversight in land management.
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