The Minority in Parliament is calling on President John Dramani Mahama to urgently reverse the ban he imposed on all transactions involving state and public lands, warning that the continued embargo could trigger a wave of judgment debts and hinder economic activity.
The President’s directive, which put an immediate halt to the sale, lease, and processing of any public land transactions, was issued shortly after he took office as part of efforts to safeguard state assets.
However, addressing Parliament on Monday, July 14, the Member of Parliament for Subin, Kofi Obiri Yeboah, acknowledged the intention behind the move but cautioned that it risks causing unintended harm to legitimate landholders and businesses.
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“While the President’s directive may have been driven by a desire to protect state resources, its ripple effects could be detrimental. Individuals and companies that have lawfully acquired lands now face difficulties in using them as collateral to secure loans,” Mr. Yeboah stated.
He further argued that the ban runs counter to the government’s own narrative of empowering the private sector as the engine of economic growth. “If care is not taken, the state could be dragged into numerous court battles, resulting in costly judgment debts,” he warned.
Supporting the call, the MP for Weija Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, noted that the freeze on land transactions has created a vacuum now being exploited by landguards who are unlawfully occupying several public lands.
The Minority MPs also raised concerns about the potential revenue loss to the state, pointing out that the Lands Commission earns significant income through stamp duties, consent fees, and lease documentation—revenue streams that feed into the Consolidated Fund.
They concluded by urging the President to reconsider the blanket ban and explore more targeted reforms that protect state interests without stifling legitimate land transactions or undermining investor confidence.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem