By: Ama Gyamfuah
The Lands Ministry has rejected North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s claim that the government must pay GH¢5.3 million in compensation to the Bulgarian Embassy.
The Ministry clarified that no such financial obligation exists and described the claims as completely unfounded and misleading.
In a statement released on Thursday, July 18, the Ministry emphasized that Ablakwa’s assertions are unsupported by any legal or administrative evidence.
Mr. Ablakwa had earlier claimed that the government owes the Bulgarian government GH₵5,383,000 in compensation for the demolition of its embassy in 2017.
Mr. Ablakwa stated that the compensation figure of GH₵5,383,000 was established last year by the Land Valuation Division of the Lands Commission.
He also noted that this amount is likely to increase significantly due to the depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi.
However, the Ministry has made it clear that the government does not owe any compensation to the Bulgarian Embassy.
The Ministry stated that, according to the Sole Inquirer’s recommendations, the compensation amount is to be paid by Jojo Hagan, who authorized the demolition.
The Ministry stressed that the clarification is meant to correct the record and prevent misinformation.
It also detailed the processes and protocols for managing diplomatic issues, highlighting that any grievances or claims from foreign embassies are addressed through the proper legal and diplomatic channels.
The Ministry assured both the public and the diplomatic community that Ghana upholds international standards in its engagements with foreign missions and embassies.
It reaffirmed its dedication to transparency and accuracy in diplomatic matters, aiming to keep the public informed with factual information rather than speculation.
“The attention of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has, again, been drawn to allegations by the North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to the effect that government is supposed to pay the Bulgarian Embassy an amount of GH¢5,383,000 for demolishing their building.”
“A cursory reading of the Executive Summary of the Report of the Sole Inquirer appointed to investigate the matter, which was published in a Press Release issued on 16th May 2022, and the documents attached to the MP’s post, will show that this allegation is false, and without basis,” some parts of the statement said.