By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced plans to review all state lands sold by the government, warning that any transactions found to be irregular or incomplete will be cancelled.
The minister said the exercise is intended to ensure transparency, accountability, and value for money, while safeguarding public lands from abuse.
He made the remarks during a visit by Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang to the Ministry on Tuesday, January 27.
According to Mr Buah, the review was triggered by concerns that some public lands acquired by the state for specific purposes, including agriculture and development, were unlawfully sold or mismanaged by officials entrusted with their protection.
“We have begun the process of reviewing these transactions. One of the issues we have all heard about is how public lands acquired by the government for specific purposes, including agriculture, were abused by those charged with protecting them,” he said.
He disclosed that a team led by his deputy has been constituted, with Cabinet approval, to undertake a comprehensive review of all such transactions.
“All public lands that have been sold are going under review to ensure there was value for money and that due process was followed. Those that did not complete the required processes are automatically cancelled,” Mr Buah stated.
He warned that officials found culpable would be publicly named, stressing that the review is aimed at restoring public confidence in the management of state lands.
“By the time we are done, it will not even cross the mind of any government official to take public land. We will publish your name in every newspaper,” Mr Buah said
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Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com
