Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has alleged that the government is forcing prison officers who are stationed along the Osu stretch in Accra to move out of their current barracks.
In an interview with TV3, Ablakwa claimed that the government has instructed prison officers in Osu to vacate their barracks by July this year as the facility has been sold to private developers.
This move, he asserts, aligns with the administration’s broader agenda of privatizing public assets.
In addition, Ablakwa revealed that lands under the Parks and Gardens Department have also been sold.
He disclosed that an insider informed him about this transaction, detailing how employees were confronted by individuals claiming to be the new owners of the land.
“Are you aware that the parks and gardens have been sold? They called me that they went to work one day and some people showed up that they are the new owners, go to Prisons near Osu roundabout, the barracks they have given up to July to vacate because they have sold it to private developers. Go to Airport, all the way to DVLA, all of that trucks of lands are all gone. There are some doctors at Ridge hospitals and others who have told me that their bungalows have been sold, they now have to go and leave far away, if there is an emergency how will they help?,” he added.
Expressing alarm over these developments, Ablakwa highlighted the importance of preserving public lands designated for recreational and environmental purposes.
He criticized the lack of transparency surrounding these transactions and called for a thorough investigation to uncover the parties involved and determine the legality of the sales.
Known for his vocal activism, Ablakwa recently led a protest titled ‘Hands off our Hotels’ on June 18, 2024.
The demonstration aimed to urge the government to halt the sale of 60 percent shares in four SSNIT-owned hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
Ablakwa has announced a second phase of the protest in the Central Region, reassuring residents that their concerns about the sale of Elmina Beach Hotel and Ridge Royal Hotel have been acknowledged and will be addressed.
NPP Is Evil and Antichrist party ampa.
— Aristotlektv (@aristotledada) June 20, 2024
This nonsense must stop 🛑 #EnoughOfStateCapture#HandsOffGaLands#EnoughOfLooting#NppMustGo#RejectBawuliar pic.twitter.com/nIMfBa9641