The Ghanaian government has launched a comprehensive review of all public land sales in recent years, pledging to cancel transactions found to be irregular or incomplete. The move, announced by Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, aims to curb illegal land acquisitions, ensure transparency, and protect state assets.
Speaking during a visit by Vice President Professor Jane Nana Opoku Agyemang to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon Buah said the audit is intended to safeguard public property and ensure that state resources are managed responsibly. “Any transaction found to have breached laid-down procedures or left processes incomplete will be nullified,” he said.
The review follows concerns that some public lands, originally acquired by the state for agriculture, infrastructure, or development purposes, have been mismanaged or unlawfully sold. Hon Buah emphasised that the government, under the direction of President [H.E. Name], has constituted a dedicated team, with Cabinet approval, to conduct the exercise. “By the time we finish, no government official will even consider taking public land unlawfully,” he stated, noting that names of those involved in irregularities will be published publicly.
The Minister also linked the initiative to broader environmental concerns, particularly the degradation of forests and water bodies caused by illegal mining, locally known as Galamsey. “This fight is about the heart and mind of every Ghanaian. We are all in this together. We must rise with our voices and actions to stop illegal mining, turn our forests green and our waters blue,” he urged.
During her visit, Vice President Opoku Agyemang commended the Ministry for its progress and encouraged officials to develop strategies to enhance energy access for citizens. At the Energy Ministry, Sector Minister John Abdulai Jinapor announced plans to expand Ghana’s gas processing capacity with a second gas processing plant. “The NDC constructed the first gas plant, which has been a game-changer. By the end of this month, we will sign a Cabinet memorandum to commence construction of a second plant using indigenous gas to ensure more reliable supply,” he said.
The Vice President highlighted potential initiatives to improve domestic energy access, including exploring options for direct gas piping into households, similar to electricity supply systems. “Just as we can get electricity directly to residences, are we thinking of alternatives for gas supply so citizens need not rely solely on cylinders?” she asked.
Hon Buah reaffirmed that the government is committed to ensuring accountability in all public land transactions. Citizens and investors are urged to adhere strictly to proper procedures as the authorities intensify oversight. The audit will assess value-for-money, compliance with due process, and adherence to regulatory requirements. Transactions failing to meet these standards will be automatically cancelled, ensuring that public lands serve the interests of the nation.
The government’s coordinated approach underscores its determination to protect public resources, promote good governance, and provide citizens with confidence in the management of state assets.