The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, has advocated a total ban or a freeze on the granting of public lands for private individuals until further notice. In the estimation of the minister, a freeze on the granting of public land for private purposes would help to preserve the resource for future generations. "I have made it clear to the Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission my position on this matter, and I want to state it publicly that the protection and preservation of public lands is one that must be done responsibly. "I have a big appetite for a total ban or freeze on the grant of public lands until further notice," he said. The minister stated this at a staff durbar organised by the Lands Commission in Accra today (September 1). The durbar was a platform for the minister to interact with the staff of the commission on a wide range of issues ranging from, staff welfare, conditions of work, the challenges to land administration to policy directions going forward. Collective responsibility Mr Jinapor said while the possibility of freezing the granting of public lands for private use was being explored, the ministry would work with all stakeholders in the land value chain to protect state lands.