As part of its ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in managing national assets, the government is preparing to compile and publish a detailed list of all public lands across the country
This announcement was made by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, during a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.
According to Mr. Jinapor, this initiative reflects the Akufo-Addo administration’s commitment to protecting public lands from encroachment and misuse.
“The Akufo-Addo government has been unwavering in its resolve to protect public lands. We are not only committed to preserving these lands but also to ensuring that the public is fully informed about their status.
“This is why we are in the process of compiling and publishing a detailed list of all public lands across the country,” he stated.
The minister’s announcement follows recent allegations by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s. Mr Ablakwa said the government is unlawfully reallocating public lands to private entities.
Mr. Jinapor denied these accusations, describing them as being baseless and politically motivated. He mentioned that all transactions involving public lands have been conducted with the highest levels of transparency, strictly adhering to the law, and with the nation’s best interests in mind.
He also mentioned that the government is in the final stages of auditing all public lands to ensure that none have been wrongfully acquired or misappropriated.
Once the audit is complete, the comprehensive list of public lands will be made available to the public, including details of any transactions involving public lands.
Mr. Jinapor said, “The publication of this list will not only enhance transparency but also build public confidence in the management of our national assets.
“We are determined to show that this government has nothing to hide and that all public lands are being managed for the benefit of the people of Ghana.”
He emphasized that the government has been diligent in safeguarding all state-controlled lands and valuable assets.
Background
In an interview with Citi News, The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, insisted that the government is illegally leasing state lands to its cronies.
He urged the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, to promptly publish a list of all public lands if he is denying any allegations that the government is leasing state lands to its cronies.
He said, “This is a big joke. We have to go back to the basics. The last minister told us in Parliament that the president has requested a compilation. He hasn’t been able to provide a compilation. I mean, why are we such a joke as a country?
“Do you know that the Lands Commission came under oath to confess that public lands are being sold as private land? Will you believe that? So we have a messy situation, a total mess, a hot mess. So it is not about your directives.
“So let’s get to the basics. Publish the list. Let’s have the list.”
