Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has assured Ghanaians that public lands in the country are secure and are being managed with the utmost integrity.
At a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, Jinapor dismissed recent claims suggesting that the government is involved in state capture by enabling the improper acquisition of public lands by a few individuals.
“I want to assure the public that all public lands are safe. The government has been meticulous in ensuring that every transaction involving public lands is conducted transparently and in full compliance with the law,” the Minister said.
Jinapor’s remarks directly addressed accusations made by North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who has alleged that the government is facilitating the acquisition of prime public lands by influential individuals under dubious circumstances. Ablakwa’s claims suggest that lands in key Accra areas, including Cantonments, Ridge, and Airport Residential Area, have been sold at below-market prices to those with close connections to the government.
“These claims are not only baseless but are also an attempt to mislead the public, Jinapor countered. “We have adhered strictly to due process in the allocation and management of public lands, and all transactions have been done with the best interest of the nation at heart,” he said.
The provided detailed information about several high-profile land transactions that have been under scrutiny.
On the Cantonments Civil Aviation Land, he explained that this land was reallocated for the development of national infrastructure, including a new headquarters for the Civil Aviation Authority emphasising that the reallocation followed a competitive bidding process, with the land being valued at market rates.
The Minister clarified that the Ridge Prime Land was leased to a private developer through an open and transparent process. The lease agreement, he noted, includes strict conditions to ensure the land is used for public benefit, including commercial and residential development aimed at job creation.
Regarding the lands in the Airport Residential Area, Jinapor stated that they were sold or leased at rates set by independent valuers.
He also assured that all proceeds from these transactions have been thoroughly accounted for by the Lands Commission.
Additionally, Jinapor highlighted that the government has taken steps to protect its lands, including digitizing land records and establishing a special task force to prevent encroachments.