Minister of Lands and Natural Resources announces presidential order for detailed Public Land Audit

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Samuel Abu Jinapor, has revealed that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has mandated a comprehensive audit of all public lands transferred since the start of Ghana’s Fourth Republic on January 7, 1993. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of national resources.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday in Accra, Mr. Jinapor stated that the government plans to make this detailed list public, a move intended to dispel misconceptions and reaffirm its commitment to safeguarding public lands. He acknowledged that misinformation regarding certain land transactions has been circulating and emphasized the importance of setting the record straight.

One notable case Mr. Jinapor addressed was the controversy surrounding the land formerly occupied by the Bulgarian Embassy. He explained that this land was part of a larger parcel acquired by the state in 1920 and subsequently leased to Theophilus Kofi Leighton in 1977 for a 99-year term, expiring in 2073. As a result, the government has no direct control over the land’s use until the lease expires.

He further clarified that the government had no involvement in the lease arrangements or the demolition of the Bulgarian Embassy, which was carried out under a court order. The government’s role was limited to diplomatic efforts, including negotiating compensation for the embassy.

The Minister also addressed concerns regarding other properties, such as the Roman Ridge land leased to a private developer in 2005, and the Parks and Gardens land in Cantonments, leased in 2016. He explained that the Parks and Gardens lease followed a 2012 request from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to sell part of the land to fund departmental operations. However, the expected developments, including a new office complex, have yet to materialize.

To protect public lands, Mr. Jinapor outlined several measures implemented by the government, including a 2021 policy directive requiring that all public land transactions receive prior approval from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources with the President’s authority. Any transactions without such approval are deemed void. This policy is part of a broader strategy to ensure public lands are used in the national interest.

He also highlighted efforts to recover encroached public lands and prevent further encroachments, with ongoing collaborations between the Lands Commission and the Ghana Police Service. As an example, he cited the recent recovery of encroached lands in the Northern Region.

Additionally, Mr. Jinapor discussed the government’s progress in digitizing land records and improving land service delivery. The Lands Commission has made significant strides in migrating manual operations to a digital platform, with several services now accessible online. Plans are in place to further expand digital services and fully integrate regional offices into the system.

“The public lands of our country are safe. We are committed to their protection and judicious use, and we will continue to act in the best interest of the people of Ghana,” Mr. Jinapor affirmed.