The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguard public lands.

Addressing a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday [August 14, 2024], Mr Jinapor defended the government’s record, stating that significant measures have been implemented to safeguard public lands from encroachment, illegal acquisitions, and other threats that have plagued Ghana’s land sector for decades.

“President Akufo-Addo’s administration has not only been meticulous but also unwavering in its commitment to protecting public lands. We have put in place robust systems to ensure that these lands, which are vital national assets, are preserved for future generations,” he emphasised.

The Minister said that all land transactions conducted under the current government had followed due process, with strict adherence to the laws and regulations governing public lands.

“Let me be clear, this government has not engaged in any form of state capture. Every decision we have made regarding public lands has been in the best interest of the country, and we have taken great care to ensure that these lands are protected from illegal encroachment and misuse,” he stressed.

Mr Jinapor highlighted several initiatives the Government have implemented to enhance the protection and management of public lands. 

He mentioned the digitization of land records as a significant achievement, noting that this has greatly reduced the incidence of fraudulent transactions and improved the transparency of land administration.

In addition to digitization, the Minister spoke about the establishment of a special task force dedicated to protecting public lands. This task force, he noted, had been instrumental in reclaiming lands that were previously lost to encroachers and has taken decisive action against those who attempt to illegally occupy public lands.

“We have been relentless in our efforts to reclaim and protect public lands. Through the work of the task force, we have recovered several acres of land that had been illegally occupied. This is evidence of our commitment to safeguarding these important national assets,” he added.

The Minister emphasised the importance of collaborating with traditional authorities and local communities in land management. He noted that the government has made it a priority to engage with these stakeholders, recognizing that they play a crucial role in the protection of public lands.

He also called on the Judiciary to expedite land-related cases, emphasizing that swift and decisive legal action is crucial for maintaining the integrity of public lands.