The Minority Caucus in Parliament has rejected recent policy directives announced by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, describing them as repackaged measures rather than genuine reforms in the management of public lands.

In a statement issued on March 17, 2026, the caucus said the Ministry’s presentation of the directives as “landmark reforms” was misleading, insisting that most of the measures are existing policies and legal provisions implemented under previous administrations.

Addressing the issue of upfront payment of land premiums, the Minority argued that the Lands Commission has long operated a structured payment system, where part of the premium is paid upfront, and the remainder recovered through ground rent over the lease period.

According to the caucus, the current directive merely increases upfront payments while reducing ground rent, a move it says could weaken the Commission’s internally generated revenue.

On land valuation, the Minority maintained that the compilation of market values is not a new initiative, noting that the Lands Commission has consistently undertaken such exercises through its valuation division to guide premium determination.

The caucus further stated that the requirement for ministerial approval before the allocation of public lands predates the current administration, citing a 2021 policy directive issued by former Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor under Article 258(2) of the Constitution.

It also dismissed claims of reforms regarding application procedures, explaining that Form 5, used in public land applications, is prescribed by law under the State Lands Regulations, 1962 (L.I. 230), and cannot be altered without parliamentary approval.

On internal processing, the Minority said the Lands Commission has long operated established guidelines, including the requirement for planning input from District Assemblies before applications are approved.

The statement also challenged the Ministry’s reference to a Public Lands Protection Task Force as a new initiative, pointing out that a similar body was inaugurated under the previous administration and had actively reclaimed encroached state lands.

Additionally, the caucus noted that restrictions limiting public institutions to user rights over public lands are already enshrined in the Lands Act 2020 Act 1036, and are therefore not new policy measures.

On digitalisation, the Minority credited earlier reforms for introducing systems such as digital composite searches, which allow the public to conduct land searches more efficiently.

While acknowledging that governance is a continuous process, the Minority criticised what it described as attempts to rebrand existing initiatives for political advantage, warning that such actions undermine public trust.

The caucus also expressed concern over what it described as a shift in the government’s position on the sale of public lands, recalling earlier commitments to impose a permanent ban.

It said the current approach represents a departure from those assurances and pledged to hold the government accountable.