Mahama Lifts Ban on Sale of State Lands, Announces New Transparency Measures

President John Dramani Mahama has lifted the temporary ban on state and public land transactions, reopening the process for sale, lease, and allocation of lands under stricter accountability measures.

The ban, imposed on January 10, 2025, was meant to allow a thorough review of Ghana’s land administration system. Speaking at the inauguration of the newly constituted Board of the Lands Commission on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, President Mahama said the pause revealed significant weaknesses that required urgent reforms.

“My government imposed a temporary ban on the sale of state lands to enable a thorough review of contracts. The exercise has revealed valuable insights into our current system and the reforms that are required,” he stated.

The President announced that going forward, all land transactions will pass through a digitally verified and transparent process, under strict oversight to guarantee fairness and restore public trust.

“The lifting of the ban does not signify a return to business as usual. It signals a new disciplined era of land management. We are embarking on a reset that prioritises transparency, fairness, and justice in land administration,” he declared.