Government inaugurates 20-Member Taskforce to protect public lands in Greater Accra

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has inaugurated a 20-member Greater Accra Public Lands Protection Taskforce in Accra to strengthen efforts aimed at safeguarding and restoring state lands across the region.

The taskforce, which includes representatives from the Lands Commission, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces, and private sector stakeholders, has been mandated to protect public lands and support the recovery of properties that have been illegally occupied.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the Minister described the protection of public lands as a critical national priority, noting that such lands are strategic assets intended to support development, infrastructure expansion, and public service delivery.

He expressed concern over the rising incidence of encroachment and illegal occupation of state lands, which he said has led to significant losses to the state.

“Public lands are not meant for individual exploitation or unlawful occupation. They are national assets that must be preserved for the development of our country and for public use,” Mr. Buah stated.

He explained that the taskforce will be responsible for monitoring, inspecting, and protecting public lands across Greater Accra, responding to reports of encroachment, and assisting in enforcing lawful directives related to land use and ownership.

The Minister urged members of the taskforce to carry out their duties with professionalism, fairness, and integrity.

Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Yusif Sulemana, also advised the members to uphold accountability and transparency in the execution of their mandate. He warned against any actions that could undermine the credibility of the taskforce and assured them of the Ministry’s full support, while emphasizing that their activities would be closely monitored.

Speaking on behalf of the taskforce leadership, a representative pledged the committee’s commitment to its mandate, assuring that members would work diligently in the national interest to protect public lands.

The Ministry indicated that similar taskforces are expected to be established in other regions as part of a nationwide effort to curb encroachment and improve land administration.

Prince Antwi

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