Sir Johns Will: Ownership of lands at Achimota Forest, Sakumono Ramsar Site declared void – Lands Ministry

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has directed the Lands and Forestry Commissions to declare as void the ownership of lands at the Achimota Forest and Sakumono Ramsar Site allegedly owned by the late Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie.

The directive comes after the ministry commenced investigations into the alleged ownership of lands by the recent former Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission popularly known as Sir John.

On Monday, the Fourth Estate reported that some portions of land at the Achimota Forest and Sakumono Ramsar Site had been willed to relatives of the late Sir John.

 Portions of the purported Will of Sir John read: “I give my land also situate at the Achimota Forest in the name of Fasoh Limited and measuring 0.987acres to my nephews Michael Owusu, Yaw Boadu and Kwabena Amoateng forever.”

 “I give my land situate at the Achimota Forest in the name of Jakaypro Limited and measuring 5.541 acres to the following persons forever.

Yaw Amoateng Afriyie                           -One (1) acre

— Eva Akua Afriyie                                   One (1) acre

Ivy Akua Afriyie                                     One (1) acre

Elizabeth Asare Boateng (aka Mother)     One (1) acre

Michael Owusu                                         1.541 acres

 But preliminary investigations conducted by the Lands Ministry indicate that there is no record of ownership of both lands in question at the Lands and Forestry Commissions.

 In a press statement dated May 24, the Ministry also revealed that the Will is a subject matter of litigation in the court.

 The Lands Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has therefore urged the Commissions to take the appropriate actions.

 Meanwhile, Mr Jinapor has assured that beneficiaries listed in the Will of the late Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, will not obtain the Achimota Forest and Ramsar site lands.

 “For the avoidance of doubt, the bequeathing of the aforesaid lands, if established, will not pass any interest/title to the named beneficiaries in the alleged Will.”

“Government will act on any improper acquisition of any Public Lands, regardless of how it was procured, whether now or in the past, and the Achimota Forest Lands will not be an exception,” the statement added.

 According to the minister, the Achimota Forest lands in question will remain “public lands” in spite of falling within the de-gazetted lands pursuant to E.I 144.