The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has denied claims by North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, alleging that the current government is selling state-owned lands to its associates.
According to the Ministry, these accusations are entirely false and should be disregarded by the public.
Ablakwa has recently raised concerns about the purported sale of state lands, including those owned by Parks and Gardens and the Ghana Prisons Service. He also asserted that lands currently housing judges have been sold, necessitating their relocation within a specific timeframe.
In an eleven page press statement dated Tuesday, July 16, and issued by Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Ministry clarified that during the tenure of the Akufo-Addo-led government, no state lands have been sold.
The statement further clarified that any government-owned lands currently under scrutiny were sold during the previous administration of John Mahama, during which Ablakwa served.
The Ministry urged Ghanaians to dismiss Ablakwa’s claims, attributing them to political motives.
“For clarity, the land occupied by the Du Bois Centre, which is the subject of the MP’s allegations, has not been sold or leased to any private entity,” portions of the statement read
It noted that it is evident from the above that the lands mentioned in the MP’s allegations were not sold or leased during the current administration, thus rendering allegations of state capture false.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources assured the public that the Government of Ghana is committed to efficient and effective land administration, anchored on the highest standards of integrity.
It added that President Akufo-Addo is committed to ensuring efficient and effective land administration that upholds the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the public interest.
“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,” the statement concluded.