President John Dramani Mahama has ordered a comprehensive audit into the leasing, sale, and allocation of all public lands between 2017 and 2024.

Addressing members of the newly-reconstituted National Lands Commission during their inauguration on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, President Mahama announced that the audit, to be conducted by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Lands Commission, will cover lands acquired for state purposes.

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He mentioned that this will include lands designated for public institutions such as schools, hospitals, forest and ecological zones, as well as transactions that have been marred by political influence.

“I've directed the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Lands Commission to immediately undertake a comprehensive audit of all state lands allocated, leased or sold particularly between 2017 and 2024.

“This audit will cover lands acquired for schools, hospitals, and public institutions, forest and ecological zones, and lawfully converted to private use, any transaction tainted by conflict of interest, abuse of power, or political patronage,” he explained.

The president further warned that any transactions found to have been carried out illegally will be reversed, and the government will reclaim the affected lands.

He, however, dismissed assertions that the government is witch-hunting opponents, clarifying that the process will be conducted fairly and transparently.

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“Where illegality or impropriety is discovered, such transactions will be reversed and the land will be recovered to government by law. We're not on a witch hunt. Those who have legally acquired land through proper processes need not fear. This exercise is about fairness and justice,” he said.

MAG/AE

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