Ghana’s Government Cracks Down on Public Land Transfers
In a move to protect public lands and ensure their use for public purposes, Ghana’s Cabinet has issued a directive requiring written permission from the President for any lease, transfer, or change of use of public lands. The directive also prohibits public institutions and individuals from subletting, assigning, or disposing of public lands without prior approval.
According to a statement issued by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, the Cabinet decision was made at its 76th meeting on July 18, 2024, following a report by the sector minister on the transfer of public lands by public institutions and legal advice from the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice.
The statement highlighted that public lands are being transferred to third parties without permission, despite Article 257(1) of the Constitution vesting public lands in the President, on behalf of, and in trust for the people of Ghana.
The Cabinet has directed that all public institutions, public bodies, and public corporations, including public universities, comply with the directive. The general public is also advised not to be a party to any transaction involving public lands without prior written approval from the President.
The sector minister is required to write to all public institutions, public bodies, and public corporations, communicating the directive of Cabinet. The ministry will also publish an Advertiser’s Announcement in newspapers to inform the general public of the directive.
This move aims to protect public lands and ensure they are used for their intended purposes, ultimately securing the public interest.
