Government to review previously sold public lands-Minister

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, says the government is moving to re-examine all public lands previously sold, to confirm the deals followed due process and delivered value for money.

He made the announcement during a visit by the Vice-President to the ministry, stating that the review has already begun.

Mr Buah said some state lands originally acquired for specific uses — including agriculture and other public purposes — have over time been treated as opportunities for private capture.

He suggested that while certain officials and institutions were expected to safeguard these assets, there have been abuses of that responsibility.

According to the minister, a team led by his deputy has been set up to drive the work, with Cabinet approval for a longer-term solution.

He said the President is determined to ensure state land is managed properly and transparently.

Mr Buah issued a public caution to anyone in government contemplating the misappropriation of state land, saying accountability measures will be visible.

He warned that names of officials found to have improperly taken public land would be published widely, including in newspapers.

The minister said Cabinet has endorsed a review of all public land sales, and added that transactions where the required processes were not completed will be automatically cancelled.