Armah-Kofi Buah announces cancellation of irregular public land leases, unveils major reforms

Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah,Minister for Lands and Natural Resources

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced the cancellation and review of thousands of public land lease transactions that failed to comply with established procedures, as part of sweeping reforms to restore transparency and accountability in land administration.

Addressing a press conference in Accra, Hon. Buah said the decision followed a comprehensive review initiated after a directive by President John Dramani Mahama in January 2025, which suspended all public land lease activities.

He explained that a special committee examined 8,160 lease applications processed between 2017 and 2024 across the country and found widespread procedural lapses.

“This engagement marks a critical milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen integrity, transparency, and accountability in the administration of public lands,” the Minister said.
“The review revealed serious lapses that undermined public trust and exposed the system to abuse.”

He disclosed that all uncompleted transactions in affected categories have been cancelled, while completed ones will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. According to him, any allocation found to have breached due process will also be revoked.

“All uncompleted transactions have been cancelled, and affected applicants will be formally notified,” Hon. Buah stated.

“Where completed transactions are found to be irregular, they will be cancelled without hesitation.”

The Minister announced that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Lands Commission, has introduced far-reaching reforms, including a revised Public Land Application Form, strengthened internal approval processes, and new legislative backing to prevent future abuses.

Under the new system, no public land will be allocated without the written approval of the Minister, while a minimum of 70 percent of market value will now be charged upfront as premium.

“These reforms will ensure value for money for the State and eliminate discretionary practices,” he said.

“Public lands must serve national development, not private interests.”

As part of the transition process, Hon. Buah also announced the establishment of a Public Land Protection Task Force, involving agencies such as the Ghana Police Service, to prevent encroachment and illegal development on public lands.

He further revealed that the temporary suspension of leasing and regularization services has been lifted, allowing the Lands Commission to resume operations under the new guidelines.

“All activities may now resume, but strictly in accordance with the new reforms and procedures,” he emphasized.

“Every transaction going forward must reflect transparency, accountability, and fairness.”

In his concluding remarks, the Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting public lands for present and future generations and announced that 67 percent of the Lands Commission’s internally generated funds will support the Land Bank and Digitalisation Project.

“Public lands are held in trust for the people of Ghana,” Hon. Buah stressed.
“We have a solemn responsibility to safeguard them from mismanagement and misuse.”

He assured the public that the reforms will help rebuild confidence in land administration and ensure that public resources are managed responsibly for national development.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com