The Executive Secretary of Lands Commission has been instructed by President Akufo-Addo to proceed on leave as his contract ends in July this year.

A letter signed by the Lands Minister, John Peter Amewu on Tuesday intercepted by Joy News announced the appointment of Sulemana Mahama as the new Executive Secretary of the Commission in Dr Winfred K. Anim-Odame’s absence.

Acting on behalf of President Akufo-Addo, the Minister explained with regret the President’s inability to renew Dr Anim-Odame’s contract which began on August 12, 2014, for another term.

‘In line with this, you are to proceed on leave with immediate effect prior to the lapse of your contract which terminates on July 14, 2018,’ the letter said.

The outgoing Executive Secretary was instructed to ‘do well to hand over properly to Alhaji Sulemana Mahama'.

Dr Anim-Odame is to report to the Lands Minister for re-assignment at the end of his leave.

Mr Mahama is to act until a substantive executive Secretary is appointed by the President.

When the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government took over last year, there was a confusion over Dr Anim-Odame continuous stay in office as a letter from the Presidency terminating his appointment and asking him to hand over was withdrawn.

'You are directed to continue to act in your position and perform your duties in the ordinary course as per the terms of your engagement', the letter signed by Nana Asante Bediatuo, Secretary to the President said.

'The President counts on your diligence and dedicated service to the Nation,' it said.

The letter did not state why Dr Anim-Odame was asked to stay in office after he was directed to leave office by another letter issued to him on January 24, 2017.