Prez. Mahama orders Lands Commission to halt sale and processing of state and public lands

The Government of Ghana has issued a directive to cease all transactions involving the sale, lease, or processing of state and public lands.

This decision by President John Dramani Mahama, communicated through a letter dated 10 January 2025 from the Office of the President, aims to safeguard public lands for the benefit of current and future generations.

The directive, signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, instructs the Lands Commission to halt all ongoing transactions concerning state lands.

Additionally, the Commission is required to submit a detailed report of all recent and pending transactions within 14 days of receiving the directive.

This move marks the beginning of the Mahama administration’s commitment to reclaim improperly acquired state assets, a campaign promise that resonated with many voters during the 2024 elections.

The directive instructs the Lands Commission to submit a detailed report on all recent and pending transactions involving public lands within 14 days.

A focus on asset reclamation under Mahama’s leadership

Throughout his campaign, Mahama emphasised the need to investigate and reclaim state properties that were allegedly sold under questionable circumstances during the Akufo-Addo administration.

In December 2024, Mahama promised to set up a task force to review all transactions involving state properties and reclaim those found to have been acquired improperly.

This pledge appears to be taking shape with the latest directive to halt land transactions. During a campaign rally in Accra, Mahama stated, “…the wealth of this country belongs to the people. We will investigate all fraudulent acquisitions and ensure that stolen public lands and properties are returned to the state.”

The halt on state land transactions signals Mahama’s intent to fulfil this promise as part of his administration’s broader anti-corruption and governance reforms.

Concerns over public land misuse and allocations

The issue of public land misuse has been at the forefront of political discourse in recent years. Allegations emerged during the Akufo-Addo administration that public lands were being allocated to private individuals, including family members of top officials, for personal gain.

Notably, North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa alleged that portions of public land in Accra had been allocated to close associates of the former president for private commercial ventures.

“It is unacceptable for public lands to be turned into family assets,” Ablakwa said during a parliamentary session in October 2024, adding that there must be accountability and transparency in the management of public assets??.

Political science lecturer Professor Ransford Gyampo also called for a complete reversal of all questionable land acquisitions, stressing that public lands must serve the collective good rather than individual interests. Gyampo described the situation as a betrayal of trust by public officials who were entrusted with managing state resources??.

Implications of the directive

The immediate halt of state land transactions suggests that the Mahama administration is serious about fulfilling its asset recovery agenda.

The directive also indicates that the government is keen on improving transparency and accountability in land administration.

While the specifics of the review process remain unclear, analysts believe that previous transactions involving state lands will likely come under scrutiny. The request for a detailed report from the Lands Commission could mark the first step toward identifying lands that were acquired under dubious circumstances.

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