Mahama Lifts Ban on Sale of State Lands, Announces New Transparency Measures

President John Dramani Mahama has officially lifted the nationwide ban on the sale and lease of state and public lands, nearly eight months after it was first imposed. The move comes with the introduction of a new framework aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and fairness in Ghana’s land administration system.

The temporary ban, which took effect on January 10, 2025, was part of a broader effort to audit and reform land transactions involving public property. It was intended to halt all state land sales and leases while the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Lands Commission conducted a comprehensive review of past deals and the systems governing them.

Speaking at the inauguration of the newly constituted Board of the Lands Commission on Tuesday, President Mahama said the audit had uncovered significant flaws that underscored the need for structural reform.

“My government imposed a temporary ban on the sale of state lands to enable a thorough review of contracts. The exercise has revealed valuable insights into our current system and the reforms that are required,” the President stated.

He emphasized that the lifting of the ban was not a return to the status quo but the beginning of a new era of disciplined land management. Under the revised system, all future state land transactions will go through a digitally verified process under strict regulatory oversight.

“The lifting of the ban does not signify a return to business as usual,” Mahama declared. “It signals a new disciplined era of land management. We are embarking on a reset that prioritises transparency, fairness, and justice in land administration.”

The President assured the public that the government remains committed to reclaiming any state lands that were acquired irregularly, with legal processes already underway in some cases.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, along with the Lands Commission, has been tasked with enforcing the new protocols and ensuring that land transactions align with national interests and public accountability standards.

The announcement has been welcomed by some stakeholders in the real estate and legal sectors, though civil society groups are urging continued vigilance and independent monitoring to ensure the reforms are fully implemented.