Ablakwa state capture lands were sold under Mahama

Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has refuted allegations made by North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, claiming that the current government is selling state lands to its cronies.

The Ministry stated that these allegations are entirely false and should be dismissed by the Ghanaian public.

Mr. Ablakwa has recently been vocal about the sale of state lands, including properties belonging to the Parks and Gardens, the Ghana Prisons Service, and others.

He also claimed that lands currently housing judges have been sold, forcing the judges to vacate their premises within a specified period.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, July 16, and signed by the sector Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Ministry asserted that the Akufo-Addo-led government has not sold any state lands.

The statement further clarified that any government lands currently under public scrutiny were sold during the previous administration of John Mahama, of which Mr. Ablakwa was a member.

The Ministry urged Ghanaians to disregard Mr. Ablakwa’s allegations, describing them as politically motivated.

“For the avoidance of 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 Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources wishes to assure the general public that the Government of Ghana 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 candor, 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.