The Chairman of Parliament’s Assurance Committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has raised concerns about the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry’s failure to provide Parliament with a list of state lands sold since 1993.
Despite a request from the Minority in February 2022 for a list of state lands sold since 2017, Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor pledged to provide a list dating back to 1993. However, the Lands Commission is still in the process of compiling the list, describing it as a challenging task due to the manual operations of the commission over the years.
Mr. Ablakwa expressed disappointment over the delay in providing this crucial information, emphasizing the importance of having accurate data on all state lands, including those that have been sold. He highlighted the risks posed by the absence of these records and called for swift action to address the issue.
In response, Ranking Member Farouk Aliu Mahama defended the Minister, praising his commitment to publishing the data despite challenges. He urged a collaborative approach to address the gaps in land management and emphasized the need for innovative solutions to preserve valuable state lands for future generations.
The ongoing debate between the Committee Chairman and the Minister reflects the broader concern about the lack of proper data on state lands and the urgent need for transparency and accountability in land management practices. It is essential for all stakeholders to work together to address these challenges and protect Ghana’s valuable land resources.
