Ablakwa: Stop selling government lands to public officials
The call follows a purported will of the late CEO of the Forestry Commission, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as Sir John, that is circulating on social media, which mentioned a land at the Achimota Forest as one of his properties
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the MP for North Tongu has called on the government to place a ban on the sale of state lands to public officials.
The call follows a purported will of the late CEO of the Forestry Commission, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as Sir John, that is circulating on social media, which mentioned a land at the Achimota Forest as one of his properties.
“The Owoo family will definitely enter the record books as Ghana’s biggest extended family. It’s much clearer now that OWOO is a code for: Officials Within Organized Operations,” Okudzeto posted on Facebook.
“The reason I went to the Supreme Court in 2008 against public officials buying government lands — BAN this now!” he added.
Below is the full statement:
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has begun investigations into the purported sale of land to the late Sir John.
A statement issued by the Ministry on Sunday (22 May) said it has requested for all documents relating to the land in question, as part of an initial inquiry to ascertain the veracity of the claims.
The Ministry said it will ensure the national interest is protected at all times in issues relating to the Achimota Forest.
Below is the full statement:
ALLEGATIONS SURROUNDING ACHIMOTA FOREST AND THE PURPORTED WILL OF THE LATE FORESTRY COMMISSION CEO.
The attention of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has been drawn to a document making the rounds on social media, which alleges that the late former Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, had included portions of the Achimota Forest in his Will, and given out same to individuals who are said to be related to him.
The Ministry takes a very serious view of the allegations, and has requested for all documents relating to the lands in question, as part of an initial inquiry to ascertain the veracity of the claims. Considering that the issues that form the basis of the allegations predate the tenure of the current Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, it is important that he is seized with the full facts to enable him take appropriate action, if, indeed, there is any merit in the claims.
The Ministry assures the general public and the good people of Ghana that it will ensure that the national interest is protected at all times, especially in matters pertaining to the Achimota Forest.
PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT
MINISTRY OF LANDS AND
Fred Dzakpata
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