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The Minority in Parliament is calling for an urgent reversal of President John Mahama’s directive halting all transactions involving State and public lands.
The President, within days of assuming office, instructed the Lands Commission to suspend all activities related to the sale, lease, or processing of State lands. While the move is seen as part of efforts to protect public property, the Minority warns it could have unintended economic consequences.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, July 15, the Member of Parliament for Subin, Kofi Obiri Yeboah, acknowledged the President’s intent but criticized the directive as overly broad and potentially harmful to legitimate landholders and businesses.
“While the President’s directive may be well-intentioned, it could negatively affect individuals and corporate bodies who have lawfully acquired interests in these lands,” the Minority stated.
They argued that the ban contradicts the government’s own economic philosophy of promoting private sector-led growth.
“If the government truly believes the private sector is the engine of growth, this blanket suspension undermines that very principle,” they added, urging the immediate lifting of the ban.
The Minority also raised concerns over potential revenue losses, emphasizing that the Lands Commission is a key contributor to the Consolidated Fund through stamp duties, consent fees, and lease documentation.
“A prolonged suspension will significantly impact national revenue streams,” the caucus warned.
Source: Omanghana.com
