By Zobia Zulfqar 
The Government of Ghana has intensified efforts to protect state-owned lands with the inauguration of a 20-member Greater Accra Public Lands Protection Taskforce aimed at tackling illegal encroachment and recovering unlawfully occupied public properties.
The taskforce was inaugurated by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who described the protection of public lands as a national priority essential for development, infrastructure expansion, and the delivery of public services.
The newly formed body comprises representatives from the Lands Commission, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces, and selected private sector stakeholders.
Its primary responsibility will be to monitor, inspect, and safeguard public lands across the Greater Accra Region while supporting efforts to reclaim state lands that have been unlawfully occupied.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Accra, Mr. Buah stressed that public lands are national assets that must be preserved for the benefit of all citizens rather than exploited for personal gain.
He warned against unlawful occupation and encroachment on government lands, noting that such practices undermine national development efforts and deprive the state of valuable resources needed for public projects.
The Minister explained that the taskforce has been mandated to respond swiftly to reports of encroachment, enforce lawful directives on land protection, and support authorities in recovering public lands from illegal occupants.
According to him, the initiative forms part of broader government efforts to strengthen land administration and ensure that public assets are properly protected and managed.
Mr. Buah urged members of the taskforce to carry out their responsibilities with professionalism, fairness, integrity, and impartiality.
He emphasized that the credibility and success of the initiative would depend largely on the conduct of its members and their commitment to enforcing the law without fear or favour.
The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Yusif Sulemana, also addressed the gathering and encouraged members to uphold the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct in the discharge of their duties.
He cautioned against any behaviour that could undermine the mandate of the taskforce and assured members of the ministry’s full support as they undertake their work.
Mr. Sulemana added that the activities of the taskforce would be closely monitored to ensure that its operations remain effective and aligned with government objectives.
The government believes that strengthening enforcement mechanisms will help address the growing challenge of land encroachment, particularly in rapidly developing urban areas where public lands have increasingly come under pressure from illegal occupation and unauthorized development.
Land encroachment has long been a major concern in Greater Accra, affecting lands reserved for schools, hospitals, roads, public institutions, and other strategic national projects.
Authorities hope the taskforce will help improve compliance with land regulations while protecting valuable state assets for future generations.
Speaking on behalf of the taskforce leadership, a representative assured the Minister and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources that members were fully committed to carrying out their mandate effectively and professionally.
The inauguration marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to strengthen land governance, preserve public assets, and ensure that state lands remain available for national development and public use.
Source: Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources