Ghana’s President Orders Immediate Suspension of Sales and Leases of State Lands

In a move aimed at safeguarding public lands, President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate suspension of all sales, leases, and processing of transactions related to state and public lands.

This directive, issued on January 10, 2025, was communicated to the Lands Commission with a call for a comprehensive review of the country’s land management policies.

The President’s decision underscores the government’s commitment to protecting state lands for the benefit of both current and future generations.

The formal letter, signed by Callistus Mahama, the Secretary to the President, stated that the suspension is necessary to preserve these valuable resources for the collective good of the nation.

“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 read.

Under the new directive, all ongoing and pending land transactions will be halted until a thorough review of the policies governing public land management is conducted.

The Lands Commission has also been instructed to submit a detailed report on all recent and ongoing transactions involving state lands to the Office of the President within 14 days.

The move is seen as an effort to enhance transparency, accountability, and equity in the management of state lands.

By re-evaluating the current systems, the government aims to address concerns about the misuse and improper allocation of public lands.

This decision has been welcomed by various stakeholders, as it is expected to bring about more structured and responsible land management, ensuring that public resources are used effectively and fairly.

As the directive takes effect, all eyes will be on the review process, which could lead to significant reforms in Ghana’s land management practices.