Full Audit of State Lands to Be Published in August 2025
Ghana to Publish Audit Report on State Lands by August — Lands Minister Declares
In a move aimed at strengthening transparency and restoring trust in Ghana’s land governance system, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has revealed that a full audit of all public lands in Ghana will be released by August 2025.
Speaking during the Government Accountability Series press conference held in Accra on Wednesday, July 23, Mr. Buah emphasized that this initiative was directly commissioned by President John Mahama to clamp down on unauthorized land disposals and ensure state lands are used in the public’s best interest.
Curbing Unauthorized Land Sales
“No agency or institution’s land can be sold under this administration without the express permission of the President,” the minister declared.
He further explained that an inter-ministerial committee, which includes the Ministry of Works and Housing and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, is reviewing past land allocations to assess legality, transparency, and value for money.
Importantly, all past transactions are being evaluated to determine whether they were conducted in the interest of the Ghanaian people.
What Will the Audit Cover?
The upcoming report, which will be released to the public by the end of August, is expected to include:
- A comprehensive review of all public land transactions
- Identification of any irregular or illegal allocations
- Recommendations for reversing unlawful deals
- Possible legal actions to reclaim improperly sold lands
This step marks a significant turning point in Ghana’s efforts to modernize land management and hold institutions accountable.
Promoting Transparency and Access
Moreover, the broader aim is not just to correct past mistakes. The government is also working to make land-related services more accessible to local communities.
This includes:
- Reducing processing delays
- Eliminating the need to travel to Accra for documentation
- Expanding public awareness and reporting channels
“We want to make the system transparent and people-focused,” Mr. Buah stressed.
Public Involvement Encouraged
To further strengthen the process, citizens are being called upon to help. The minister encouraged Ghanaians to report any suspected irregularities in public land transactions to the appropriate authorities.
With this bold initiative, the government hopes to rebuild public confidence, prevent misuse of state property, and ensure that land management in Ghana serves national development rather than private interests.
Takeaway: A Step Toward Ethical Land Management
The upcoming audit could signal a new era of accountability in Ghana’s land administration. If followed through with full transparency and public engagement, it may finally curb the long-standing issues of illegal land deals and restore integrity to land governance.
