Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has taken issue with Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor’s denial regarding the sale of state lands under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
During a press conference on August 14, Mr. Jinapor refuted Mr. Ablakwa’s claims of land grabbing and state capture, asserting that lands in question were allocated to private entities for state-beneficial development.
“The allegations of state capture and the narrative that this government is indiscriminately selling public lands are palpably false and motivated by political considerations, especially with elections approaching,” Mr. Jinapor stated.
In a press conference to respond to Mr. Jinapor on August 15, Mr. Ablakwa challenged Mr. Jinapor’s claims and accused the government of deliberate concealment.
“We have concluded that the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration is deliberately withholding information on public lands to avoid exposure of their involvement in massive land grabs and state capture,” Mr. Ablakwa said.
He criticized the government’s failure to provide a comprehensive list of public lands, despite Parliament’s directive issued over two years ago, arguing that this ongoing delay signifies the Lands Ministry’s failure to uphold its constitutional responsibilities.
“The continued excuses from the Minister regarding the compilation of the list demonstrate a lack of transparency and accountability,” he added.
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Source: Comfort Sweety Hayford/ATLFMNEWS