The government is actively acquiring new lands to support national development while implementing measures to protect existing public lands, according to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor.
At a press conference, Mr. Jinapor announced acquisitions such as a 13,230-acre land at Afienya and Dawhenya for industrial and urban development, a 509-acre area for railway expansion, and a 237-acre parcel in Tamale for the University for Development Studies, all obtained in 2018.
He refuted allegations of public land mismanagement, assuring that Ghana’s public lands remain secure. The government has introduced directives requiring presidential approval for public land grants and has reversed unauthorized leases.
Mr. Jinapor also addressed accusations by MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, clarifying that lands mentioned, including those of the Prisons Service and Parks and Gardens, were leased during previous administrations, not under the current government.
While acknowledging that the sale of public lands isn’t illegal, Mr. Jinapor emphasized that public officials should not acquire such lands to avoid conflicts of interest and called for any evidence of misconduct to be reported for action.