Minister nominee for Lands and Natural Resources Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has strongly rejected the practice of high-profile individuals acquiring state lands for personal gain.

Speaking during his vetting in Parliament on Monday, 27th January, Mr Buah said: “I believe it is fundamentally wrong for high-profile individuals to acquire state lands, as it goes against the principles of fairness and transparency.”

Mr Buah explained that lands acquired by the state are originally designated for specific public purposes.

However, over time, these purposes may change, and the land may need to be repurposed for other uses. He highlighted that such processes have been conducted transparently in the past, including under the leadership of former President Atta Mills.

“As a Land Minister-designate, and in my personal view, I find it fundamentally wrong for me as a minister to claim ownership of lands that I am entrusted to supervise,” he stated.

He further emphasised that ministers should not personally benefit from lands they are responsible for managing.

He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring fairness in future land allocations.

“If there is a legitimate need for land allocation, those lands should be re-evaluated and sold at their current market value, so that the people of Ghana, whose lands we manage in trust, are not shortchanged,” he added.

“This is my commitment as Minister,” Mr Buah noted.