The Minister nominee for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has expressed strong opposition to the undervaluation and sale of public lands, calling for any future transactions to reflect prevailing market rates. 

He stressed that such measures are necessary to safeguard the interests of Ghanaians and ensure the nation benefits fully from its assets.

Speaking during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, 27 January, Armah-Kofi Buah criticised the current practices overseen by the Lands Commission. 

He revealed that public lands are frequently sold at only 25 percent of their market value, with the remaining amount accounted for through ground rent payments. 

He described this system as unjust and harmful to national development.

“As it stands, the guidelines from the Lands Commission dictate that public lands are valued at 25 percent of their true worth, with only that portion sold and the rest paid through ground rent,” he said. “This must stop. Public lands should not be sold at all, but if a sale becomes necessary, it must reflect the current market value to ensure Ghanaians are not shortchanged.”

The sale of public lands to politically exposed persons has been a contentious issue in Ghana, with allegations of corruption and lack of transparency. 

Reports suggest that influential individuals, including politicians and government officials, have acquired prime lands at heavily discounted prices, particularly in urban areas. 

Critics argue that these transactions often bypass competitive bidding processes and public oversight, depriving the state of crucial revenue and fuelling perceptions of favouritism and abuse of office.