Samuel Abu Jinapoh, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources has assured that his ministry and the Lands Commission are conducting an inventory of public lands, including those that have been encroached upon, to ensure maximum protection of all State lands.
He explained that Section 236 of the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036) requires the Lands Commission or any agency for whose benefit land has been acquired to take whatever steps are necessary to recover encroached lands by using resealable force to eject encroachers from the lands.
Mr. Jinapoh also stated that the lands commission is working with the Ghana Police Service to protect all public lands and prevent further encroachment.
The minister made the remarks today while appearing in Parliament to answer questions from MP Yusif Sulemana of Bole Bamboi on measures being put in place to protect state lands.
”Mr. Speaker, the issue of encroachment of public lands is widespread due to several years of inaction,” he said.
He stressed that the Ministry and all other agencies are working together to protect public lands.
He explained that the law also allows the use of reasonable force, including demolition of buildings on encroached lands, and per this provision, the Lands Commission, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, has undertaken several operations to recover encroached public lands.
He added that the Police would also provide protection for all public lands and prevent them from further encroachment.
”Through this collaboration, adequate logistics are being provided to the Ghana Police Service to undertake regular patrols and improved visibility on public lands to deter encroachers. Additionally, Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has constituted a public land protection team chaired by the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Benita Owusu Bio to support the effort of the Lands Commission and the Ghana Police Service. in the protection of public lands.”
By: Rainbowradioonlinbe.com/Ghana
