Gov't launches audit of public lands sold in recent years

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced a sweeping review of all public lands disposed of in recent years, as government moves to clamp down on irregular sales and protect state-owned property.

The audit, he explained, will examine whether proper procedures were followed and whether the state received fair value in every transaction.

Mr Armah-Kofi Buah made this known during a visit by Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang to the Ministry, noting that any sale found to have bypassed due process would be revoked.

According to the Minister, growing concerns have emerged over how lands originally acquired by the state for public purposes — including agriculture and national development — were allegedly sold off unlawfully by some officials entrusted with their management.

“We have begun the review process. Public lands that were acquired for specific purposes were abused by some of the very people mandated to protect them,” he said.

He revealed that a special committee, led by his Deputy Minister and approved by Cabinet, has been tasked to conduct the audit across the country.

All transactions will be examined for proper valuation, documentation, and compliance with established procedures.

Mr Armah-Kofi Buah issued a firm warning that officials found to have played roles in improper land sales would not only face sanctions but would also be publicly named as a deterrent to others.

“All public lands sold are undergoing review to ensure value for money and proper process audits. Any transaction that did not complete the required processes will be automatically cancelled,” he stressed.

The Minister said the exercise underscores government’s commitment to safeguarding public assets and restoring integrity to land administration in Ghana.