Minority Calls for Immediate Reversal of Mahama’s Ban on State Land Transactions
The Minority in Parliament has urged President Mahama to lift the ban on the sale of public lands, warning that continued enforcement of the embargo could lead to numerous judgment debts against the state. President Mahama had, upon assuming office, ordered an immediate stop to all activities concerning the sale, leasing, or processing of transactions involving state-owned lands.
Delivering a statement on the floor of Parliament on Monday, July 14, the Member of Parliament for Subin, Kofi Obiri Yeboah, acknowledged the President’s good intentions but emphasized that the directive could negatively impact legitimate landowners and businesses. He cautioned that the freeze on land transactions was preventing both individuals and corporate bodies from using their legally acquired lands as collateral to secure bank loans.
The Minority further argued that if the government truly believes in the private sector as the engine of growth, then this directive must be reversed. They warned that failure to do so could result in a flood of legal suits and judgment debts against the state.
Weija Gbawe MP, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, also weighed in, lamenting that landguards have taken control of many public lands. The MPs expressed additional concerns over potential revenue losses, pointing out that the Lands Commission earns substantial funds for the Consolidated Fund through charges like stamp duties, consent fees, and lease processing.
