Member of Parliament for the North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has challenged Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor over his denial of state land sales by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
At a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, August 14, the Lands Minister refuted Ablakwa’s allegations of land grabbing and state capture, asserting that most of the lands in question were allocated to private individuals for development in the state’s interest.
However, in a counter press conference held in Parliament on Thursday, August 15, 2024, Mr. Ablakwa challenged the Lands Minister’s stance, accusing the government of complicity in these actions.
Mr. Ablakwa stated that the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration is intentionally withholding information about the status of public lands, fearing exposure of massive land grab and state capture if the full facts come to light.
He further criticized the government for failing to comply with Parliament’s directive to compile a comprehensive list of all public lands. He noted that it has been over two years since the request was made, yet the Lands Ministry has not provided the list, which he argues is a clear indication that the ministry is neglecting its constitutional duties.
Additionally, Mr. Ablakwa pointed out that when the Minister appeared before Parliament’s Assurance Committee, he repeatedly made excuses, insisting that the list was still being compiled.