In a move to preserve public assets for future generations, President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the Lands Commission to immediately halt all transactions related to the sale, lease, or processing of state and public lands. This directive was formalized through a letter dated January 10, 2025, from the Office of the President.
The decision comes as part of a broader strategy to ensure that state and public lands are managed in a manner that benefits the entire populace, both now and in the future. The cessation of these land transactions is seen as a significant step towards combating land grabbing, ensuring transparency in land management, and preventing the misuse of public resources.
The Lands Commission has been instructed to comply with this directive forthwith, with no new applications for land transactions to be processed until further notice. This move has sparked various reactions from stakeholders, including land developers, investors, and citizens concerned with land rights and usage.
Critics and supporters alike are discussing the implications of this policy. Some see it as a necessary measure to address long-standing issues of land mismanagement and corruption, while others express concerns over potential delays in development projects and the economic implications for those whose businesses rely on land transactions.
The government has not yet released detailed plans on how it will address ongoing or pending land deals or what the future holds for land policy under this administration. Further announcements are expected as the administration works to clarify these aspects.
This directive by President Mahama underscores a commitment to reevaluating the governance of public property in Ghana, aiming for a more equitable and sustainable approach to land use.
