News
Revocation of EI 144 key to protecting state lands- Solomon Owusu urges government
Communications Director of the United Party, Solomon Owusu has welcomed cabinet approval to revoke the sale of state lands without an audit.
He stressed that the move will remain incomplete unless Executive Instrument 144 is also revoked.
Speaking in an interview at TV3 , Solomon Owusu, a land economist by profession, argued that EI 144, also known as the Cessation of Forest Act, opened the door for the transfer of protected forest lands to private interests under questionable circumstances.
He explained that the state began acquiring lands in the early post independence period to support national development, including housing for public sector workers such as teachers, nurses and doctors.
According to him, in the past, public servants posted to new areas were assured of accommodation, unlike today when many are left stranded.
Solomon Owusu linked the current housing challenges faced by public workers to the sale of state lands that were originally meant for government estates.
He accused past state actors of greed, noting that lands acquired for public use have been sold off, leaving the government without space to build essential infrastructure.
On the Achimota Forest, Owusu criticised the decision under EI 144 to release portions of the forest, claiming it was done under the false pretext of returning land to original families who had already been compensated.
He insisted that the lands never truly returned to the families but were instead shared among politically connected individuals.
Owusu praised the recent revocation of LI 2462, which allowed mining in forest reserves, describing it as a positive step.
However, he maintained that revoking EI 144 would demonstrate a stronger commitment to environmental protection and national interest.
He warned that the Achimota Forest remains one of the few green spaces providing clean air in the capital and should be fully protected to preserve its flora and fauna.
He raised concerns about the encroachment of prayer camps and other activities within the forest, blaming weak enforcement by the Forestry Commission for driving away wildlife.
He called on President John Mahama to revoke EI 144, arguing that such a decision would resonate strongly with the public and reflect respect for national heritage and future generations.
With Ghana’s population now exceeding 34 million, he stressed that the state needs land more than ever to support housing, public services and large scale investments.
He further alleged that some state lands have been transferred to politically exposed persons and their associates, citing cases involving prime properties previously belonging to state institutions.
Solomon Owusu questioned how comparative land valuations are sometimes ignored to favour individuals, adding that civil servants at the Lands Commission who facilitate such deals must also be held accountable.
He concluded that state lands belong to all citizens and must be preserved and used strictly for national development rather than private gain.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, on January 27, 2026, promoted seventeen police officers in recognition of their outstanding professionalism and dedication in the discharge of their duties.
The promotions were awarded to officers who played key roles in separate operations that led to the interception ten(10) wrapped slaps of substances suspected to be cocaine, a narcotic with an estimated value of GHC 1,032.650.00 and sacks of substances suspected to be narcotic drugs at in the Volta Region, as well as the recovery of AK 47 rifle, a pump action gun and eight live AAA ammunition during a routine patrol operation in Jacobu.
The IGP, together with members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), congratulated the officers on their elevation and commended them for upholding the core values of the Service through discipline, courage, and professionalism.
IGP Yohuno urged the promoted officers to view their promotion as a call to higher responsibility and encouraged all personnel to continue working diligently, assuring them that excellence and integrity remain the basis for recognition and promotion within the Ghana Police Service.
The DOYA Foundation, a non-profit humanitarian organization, has been launched with a mandate to support vulnerable populations and promote the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners.
The Foundation aims to address challenges linked to poverty, incarceration and social exclusion through humanitarian assistance, community empowerment and justice-linked interventions.
Founder Degraft Oppong said the organization was established to offer hope and practical support to people struggling to reintegrate into society.
“We believe that no one should be permanently defined by poverty or imprisonment.
The DOYA Foundation exists to restore dignity and give people a real chance to rebuild their lives,” he said.
The organization says its programs will include emergency relief, healthcare and educational support for vulnerable groups, as well as skills training, counseling and post-release support for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated persons.
The Foundation will also engage families, communities and key stakeholders to promote social acceptance and long-term reintegration.
