Tamale, Feb. 5, GNA - The Supervising High Court Judge of Tamale, Justice Lawrence L. Mensah has asked land administrators and other stakeholders involve in the sale of lands to protect the interest of the nation by stopping encroachment on government lands.

He said it was unfortunate that most government lands were now being sold to private developers without due regard to future developments such as the construction of major roads and other essential facilities.

Justice Mensah made the appeal at the inauguration of the regional Land Administration Project II (LAP II) in Tamale at the weekend.

The project consists of a 16-member regional project management unit and a five-member regional projects steering committee.

Justice Mensah said even in the colonial era government lands were protected and wondered it was difficult to do so today.

Mr Moses Bukari Mabengba, Northern Regional Minister, who inaugurated the committee, said land matters were very sensitive that had led to major conflicts in the country.

He, therefore, asked the committee to liaise with other lands agencies to develop appropriate land maps for the country to avoid disputes.