The Office of the Special Prosecutor has launched an investigation into the late Forestry Commission Chief Executive Officer, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, often known as Sir John, for land acquisition at the Achimota Forest and Sakumono Ramsar site.
This was stated in a statement released by the Special Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday, May 26.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources was also ordered to fully assist with the investigations, according to the statement.
On May 23, it was revealed that Sir John’s will included several land parcels in the Achimota Forest Reserve and the Sakumono Ramsar site.
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The will, which The Fourth Estate has seen and authenticated, comprises four portions of identified and unspecified acres of land in the Achimota Forest that the late politician handed to specific individuals.
Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, whose office was located at the Achimota Forest till his death, stated on page 4 of his will:
“I give my land situate at the Achimota Forest in the name of Jakaypro Limited and measuring 5.541 acres to the following persons forever.
–Yaw Amoateng Afriyie One (1) acre
— Eva Akua Afriyie One (1) acrehttps://e19a6587b25788653f92320cf159bfa1.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
–Ivy Akua Afriyie One (1) acre
–Elizabeth Asare Boateng (aka Mother) One (1) acre
–Michael Owusu 1.541 acres
The former head of the forestry commission also stated in the will that he owned land at the Ramsar area in Sakumono in Accra.
“I give my land situate at the Ramsar area at Sakumono in the Greater Accra Region and measuring 5.07 acres to my sisters Abena Saah and her children, Comfort Amoateng and her children, Abena Konadu and Juliet Akua Arko and her children on equal share basis forever,” the will states.
Meanwhile, the Lands Minister has directed the Lands and Forestry Commissions to take appropriate actions over claims that the late former CEO of the Forestry Commission owns portions of lands at the Achimota Forest and Sakumono Ramsar Site.
Samuel Abdulai Jinapor said the two entities should consider any alleged ownership of lands at the said sites by the late Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie aka Sir John, as void.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the bequeathing of the aforesaid lands, if established, will not pass any interest/title to the named beneficiaries in the alleged Will.
“These lands, the subject matter of the alleged will, shall remain public lands, whether or not it falls within the de-gazetted lands pursuant to E.I. 144,” the Damongo Member of Parliament stated in a statement issued on Tuesday.
SOURCE: myjoyonline
