The Ministry of Lands has reviewed a total of 8,160 lease applications executed or initiated across all 16 regions of Ghana, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has announced.
Addressing a press briefing on Monday, February 16, the Minister said the applications comprised 4,176 direct allocations, 2,799 regularisations, 19 allocations related to state bungalows, 108 land swap or public-private partnership arrangements, 795 subsequent transactions, and 265 fresh allocations.
The review was conducted by a committee chaired by Deputy Lands Minister Alhaji Yusif Suleimana, following a directive issued by President John Mahama on January 10, 2025. The directive ordered the Lands Commission to suspend all activities related to the leasing and processing of public land transactions.
According to the Minister, the presidential intervention was aimed at safeguarding public lands from abuse, restoring discipline in land administration, and ensuring that all public land transactions deliver value for the state.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah explained that the committee’s work formed part of the government’s broader “reset agenda” to rebuild public confidence in land administration. He said the committee undertook a comprehensive nationwide review of public land allocations and leases, uncovering instances where some applications and allocations failed to fully comply with the Lands Commission’s internal processes.
“These lapses undermine transparency in the allocation of public lands,” the Minister noted.
He disclosed that the committee has submitted its findings and recommendations to Cabinet, which has approved them alongside additional directives for immediate implementation. The approved measures, he said, are intended to strengthen oversight, improve compliance, and ensure that public lands are managed with integrity in the national interest.
The Minister further revealed that of the 108 land swap or public-private partnership arrangements, 88 were concentrated in the Ashanti Region, a development he described as “interesting” in the context of the review.
“In the course of its work, the committee reviewed a total of 8,160 lease applications executed or initiated across all 16 regions of Ghana,” Mr Armah-Kofi Buah stated, adding that the findings highlight the need for stricter adherence to established procedures to protect public lands and enhance accountability.
Source: citinews
