North Tongu Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed that the sale of parts of the Achimota Forest has been recommenced. This, he asserted, is a manifestation of the misappropriation of lands by the state. “There has been a resumption of portions of the Achimota Forest,”he articulated on the Key Points program on TV3 on Saturday, August 3.
He highlighted the existence of disloyal elements within the Lands Commission who are providing testimony against the state in a legal dispute involving the Ghana Prison Service and a private developer over the Borstal home lands. Instead of siding with the Ghana Prison Service, they have chosen to litigate in favor of the private individual. “Evidently, the Lands Commission is complicit,”he expounded. Despite the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources refuting his assertion that the current government is selling state lands to its associates.
The Ministry affirmed that these accusations are entirely baseless and should be disregarded by the general public.Mr. Ablakwa has recently been outspoken regarding the divestment of state-owned lands, encompassing properties owned by the Parks and Gardens, the Ghana Prisons Service, and others.He also alleged that lands presently accommodating judges have been transacted, necessitating the judges to evacuate their premises within a stipulated timeframe.
In a press release disseminated on Tuesday, July 16, and endorsed by the sector Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Ministry emphasized that the Akufo-Addo-led administration has not authorized the sale of any state lands.The statement further explained that any government-owned lands currently under public scrutiny were dispensed with during the preceding administration of John Mahama, during which Mr. Ablakwa held a position.The Ministry urged the Ghanaian populace to disregard Mr. Ablakwa’s claims, denoting them as politically driven.
“For the avoidance doubt the land occupied by the Du Bois Centre, the subject-matter of the Member of Parliament’s allegations, has neither been sold nor leased to any private entity.”
“From the foregoing, it is clear that the lands, the subject matter of the Member of Parliament’s allegations, were not sold and/or leased under the current administration, and the allegations of state capture are, therefore, false,” an excerpt of the statement said.
The statement added that President Akufo-Addo is committed to efficient and effective land administration, anchored on the highest standards of integrity.
“President Akufo-Addo is committed to an efficient and effective land administration that is anchored on the highest standards of integrity, transparency and candour, in the public interest. ““The Ministry will, therefore, continue to work with all stakeholders to deliver an effective, transparent, responsive and orderly land administration which is above board and steeped in integrity,” the statement concluded.
