President John Dramani Mahama has lifted the eight-month moratorium on the sale, lease, and processing of state and public lands, unveiling a new framework aimed at restoring transparency and accountability in Ghana’s land administration system.

The ban, which took effect on January 10, 2025, was instituted to allow for a comprehensive review of existing land contracts and institutional practices.

Speaking at the swearing-in of the newly constituted Lands Commission Board on Tuesday, September 2, President Mahama said the review had exposed deep-rooted 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 explained.

Under the new framework, all future transactions involving state lands will be conducted through a digitally verified platform, ensuring strict oversight and eliminating opaque practices that have long undermined 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,” the President stressed.