Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa intends to present a private member’s bill in Parliament aimed at curbing the acquisition of state assets by politicians and politically exposed individuals.
The proposed bill aims to “close all loopholes in the current legal framework” and prevent politicians from using their positions for personal enrichment.
Taking to Facebook on Tuesday, May 21, Ablakwa announced his intention to introduce the bill, emphasizing his longstanding campaign against this practice spanning 16 years.
He believes that enacting robust legislation with stringent penalties is crucial to preventing further abuses of power.
“In the coming days, I shall be sponsoring a Private Member’s Bill in Parliament to expressly prevent politicians and politically exposed persons from participating directly or indirectly in the purchase of state assets.”
“The objective will be to legally block all loopholes in the current legal regime which some politicians appear to be exploiting.
After 16 years of crusading against politicians purchasing state assets under conflict of interest, opaque, abuse of power and unethical circumstances; I believe it is time to have a strong piece of legislation with deterrent sanctions to end the canker.”
Amidst his petition with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) regarding the sale of four SSNIT-owned hotels to Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Minister for Food and Agriculture, Samuel Ablakwa is set to introduce a private member’s bill aimed at preventing politicians from acquiring state assets.
Ablakwa is urging CHRAJ to conduct an inquiry into the sale, alleging a lack of due process and breaches of procurement procedures.
He is also calling for the sale to be halted pending investigation.
In response, Dr. Acheampong has expressed disappointment with Ablakwa’s actions, dismissing the allegations as baseless and asserting that they are an intentional effort to damage his reputation.