The Founder and President of the Ga Dangme Lands Administration (GDLA), King Ayi Tunnmaa II, has announced a major land renewal initiative aimed at regularising all expired leases within the jurisdiction of the Ga State.

According to King Tunnmaa II, the exercise seeks to restore rightful ownership and ensure that the Ga people benefit from their ancestral lands, many of which have been occupied by government agencies, institutions, and private entities for decades.

He explained that most Ga lands were leased for periods between 50 and 90 years, and that many of these agreements have now expired.

The Ga leader emphasised that these lands were leased, not sold, and therefore must revert to their traditional custodians upon the expiration of the lease terms.

“Ga lands belong to the Ga people. They were never sold but leased for specific durations.

Once those leases expire, the lands must return to their rightful owners,” King Ayi Tunnmaa II stated.

Addressing the growing confusion caused by Landlords’ Associations, King Tunnmaa II clarified that no one can call themselves a landlord on Ga land, explaining that in the Greater Accra Region, individuals are property owners, not landowners.

He cited a similar land regularisation exercise currently being undertaken in the Ashanti Region under the direction of the Asantehene, noting that the GDLA’s initiative aligns with broader national efforts to protect traditional land rights.

King Ayi Tunnmaa II said the GDLA will work closely with relevant authorities, traditional leaders, and state agencies to ensure that the renewal and re-acquisition process is lawful, transparent, and fair.

He urged all persons and organisations occupying Ga lands to cooperate with the GDLA when the time comes for renewal, stressing that proper documentation would help secure the interests of both current and future generations.

“This exercise is not to create conflict but to ensure fairness and order.

We must all act responsibly to preserve the integrity of our lands for our children and grandchildren,” he added.