By Eugene Nyarko Jnr. | Accra
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has inaugurated a 20-member Greater Accra Public Lands Protection Taskforce to strengthen efforts aimed at protecting and preserving public lands across the region.
The taskforce, inaugurated in Accra on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, comprises representatives from the Lands Commission, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces and the private sector.
The team is expected to safeguard public lands and support government efforts to recover state lands that have been unlawfully occupied.
Addressing members during the inauguration ceremony, Hon. Buah described the protection of public lands as a national priority, emphasizing that public lands remain strategic national assets intended to support development, infrastructure and the delivery of public services.
He noted that the persistent illegal occupation and encroachment on state lands had resulted in significant losses to the country and undermined national development efforts.
“Public lands are not meant for individual exploitation or unlawful occupation. They are national assets that must be preserved for the development of our country and for public use,” he stated.
According to the Minister, the taskforce has been mandated to monitor, inspect and protect public lands throughout the Greater Accra Region, respond to reports of encroachment and assist in enforcing lawful directives relating to public land protection.
He urged members to execute their responsibilities with professionalism, fairness and integrity, stressing the need for a coordinated and transparent approach in safeguarding public property.
The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Yusif Sulemana, also charged the taskforce members to discharge their duties with accountability, transparency and integrity.
He cautioned them against engaging in any conduct that could compromise the mandate of the taskforce and assured them of the Ministry’s full support.
Hon. Sulemana, however, indicated that the activities of the taskforce would be closely monitored to ensure adherence to the highest standards of professionalism.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairperson of the Taskforce, a representative of the committee assured the Minister and the Ministry of the members’ commitment to the assignment entrusted to them.
He pledged that the taskforce would carry out its duties diligently, serve in the national interest and work tirelessly to protect public lands from encroachment and unlawful occupation.
The Ministry disclosed that similar Public Lands Protection Taskforces are expected to be inaugurated in the remaining regions of the country as part of a nationwide effort to safeguard state lands and strengthen land administration.
