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The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor has assured Ghanaians that public lands across the country are secure and being managed with the highest level of integrity.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, Mr. Jinapor refuted recent allegations that the government is engaged in state capture by facilitating the improper acquisition of public lands by a select few.
“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.
Mr. Jinapor’s comments were in direct response to accusations from North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who has accused the government of enabling powerful individuals to acquire prime public lands under questionable circumstances. Mr. Ablakwa’s allegations include claims that lands in Accra’s prime areas such as Cantonments, Ridge, and Airport Residential Area have been sold at below market prices to individuals with close ties to the government.
“These claims are not only baseless but are also an attempt to mislead the public, Mr. 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 Minister went on to provide 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 emphasizing 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.
With regards to the Airport Residential Area Lands, Mr. Jinapor said these lands were sold or leased at rates determined by independent valuers. He further assured that all proceeds from these transactions have been fully accounted for by the Lands Commission.
He said in furtherance of this, government has initiated processes to safeguard its lands pointing to initiatives like the digitization of land records and the establishment of a special task force to prevent illegal encroachments.
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