Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Yusif Sulemana, has announced the introduction of a new framework governing the leasing of public lands in Ghana, a move aimed at improving transparency, boosting state revenue, and ensuring that public land resources are managed more efficiently.
The new policy introduces a revised premium payment structure that requires individuals and organisations seeking to procure public lands to make a substantial upfront payment before access to the land is granted.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, March 11, the Deputy Minister explained that under the revised arrangement, prospective lessees will now be required to pay a minimum of 70 percent of the assessed market value of the public land as an upfront premium.
He noted that the remaining 30 percent of the payment will not be required immediately but will instead be spread across the duration of the lease period as ground rent.
According to the Deputy Minister, the reform was developed through collaboration between the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Lands Commission as part of broader efforts to strengthen land administration and ensure the country derives maximum value from its public land assets.
“The Ministry, in collaboration with the Lands Commission, has introduced a new premium framework for public lands leases. Under this new framework, a minimum of 70 percent of the assessed market value of a public land will be paid upfront as a premium. The remaining 30 percent will be structured over the tenure of the lease as grand rent.
“This reform is intended to promote value for money, enhance revenue generation for the state, and ensure that public lands are allocated in a manner consistent with national economic interests.”
