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The Minority Caucus in Parliament, led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately reverse his recent directive banning all state land transactions.
The President’s order, which took effect earlier this month, halts the sale, lease, or processing of any public land deals. The move, according to government sources, is aimed at curbing the rampant acquisition of state lands by political elites and well-connected individuals.
However, the directive has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, July 15, the Member of Parliament for Subin Constituency, Mr. Kofi Obiri Yeboah, argued that the blanket nature of the ban could hurt legitimate landholders and stall economic activities.
“Although the President’s decision may aim at safeguarding public lands, these directives may also affect individuals and corporate entities who may have legitimately acquired interests in these lands,” he said.
Mr. Yeboah further warned that the continued suspension of land transactions could deprive the state of critical revenue, especially from fees collected by the Lands Commission such as stamp duties, consent fees, and lease processing charges.
“If the government truly believes the private sector is the engine of growth, then this ban directly contradicts that principle,” he added.
The NPP MPs contend that the directive unfairly affects transactions initiated during the previous administration and risks damaging investor confidence in Ghana’s land administration system.
Despite the criticism, the Mahama-led government has defended the policy as necessary to restore transparency and protect public lands from abuse.
