Alleged sale of public lands: We need to set up a Commission of Inquiry – Banson

Private legal practitioner, Bobby Banson has called for the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the sale of public lands in Ghana.

Speaking on the issue on the KeyPoints, he stressed that while whistleblower avenues exist under Ghana’s laws, there is a need for a more structured and transparent process to ensure accountability.

According to Banson, the sale of government lands raises critical questions about financial loss to the state. He referenced past judicial decisions, noting that while public officers are not necessarily prohibited from acquiring state property, the process must be fair, transparent, and adhere to due process.

“I think we need a Commission of Inquiry into the sale of public lands for whatever period may be relevant under the discussion. This will ensure that the issue is not seen as politically motivated but as a national concern,” Banson stated.

He explained that under Article 278 of the Constitution, the President has the power to establish such a Commission without requiring approval from Parliament or the Council of State.

Banson also expressed concerns about how information related to public land acquisitions has been handled under the current legal framework.

He pointed out that Ghana’s Whistleblowers Act mandates confidentiality and requires that any report received must be submitted to the Attorney-General.

“Once a report is received, the law requires that it be forwarded to the Attorney-General within seven days. However, I was concerned when some of this information appeared in the public domain before following due process,” he said.

Banson emphasized that while whistleblower mechanisms exist, their effectiveness depends on strict adherence to legal procedures.

Banson suggested that beyond submitting reports to the Attorney-General, a more structured approach is needed to address concerns surrounding the sale of public lands.

He argued that a Commission of Inquiry would provide a national platform for transparency, accountability, and lasting policy reforms.

“A Commission of Inquiry would not only investigate past sales but also offer recommendations on the way forward. This would be a significant step in ensuring that public lands are managed in the best interest of the nation,” he concluded.

Christabel Success Treve

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