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 has dismissed these allegations as entirely false and has called on the Ghanaian public to disregard them.
Mr. Ablakwa has been vocal about the alleged 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.
“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,” the statement read. “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.”
The Ministry described Mr. Ablakwa’s allegations as politically motivated and urged Ghanaians to dismiss them.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources reassured the public of the government’s commitment to efficient and effective land administration, rooted in the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and public interest.
“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 statement emphasized.
“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.”