State Land Ban: NPP MPs Cry Foul, Demand Reversal

The New Patriotic Party (NPP)-led Minority caucus in Parliament is urging President John Mahama to reverse his directive halting all State land transactions.

The President’s order aims to curb the rampant sale of state lands to political elites and influential individuals. However, the NPP MPs argue that the blanket ban could harm legitimate landholders and stall economic activity.

MP Kofi Obiri Yeboah, MP for Subin Constituency, expressed concerns that the directive could affect individuals and corporate entities who have legitimately acquired interests in State lands.

“Although the President’s decision may aim at safeguarding public lands, these directives may also affect individuals and corporate entities who may have legitimately acquired interests in these lands,” Mr. Obiri Yeboah argued.

He believes that the ban contradicts the government’s economic principles, which emphasize private sector-led growth. “If the government genuinely believes the private sector is the engine of growth, then such a ban undermines its economic principles,” he stressed. “The government, as a matter of urgency, should lift the ban,” he added.

Furthermore, Yeboah pointed out that the Lands Commission generates significant income through stamp duties, consent fees, and lease preparations, all of which contribute to the Consolidated Fund. “A continued halt will adversely impact the Consolidated Fund,” he cried.