Judicial Service wades into alleged sale of state lands saga

The Judicial Service of Ghana has explained circumstances under which it entered into an agreement with the Ministry of Works and Housing to redevelop state lands allocated to it.

According to the Service, the release of land to the Ministry was done according to due process.

“Following a series of meetings between representatives of Government, Judicial Service and the Ministry of Works and Housing regarding the two (2) properties…, an agreement dated 17 February, 2023 was entered into between the Judicial Service and the Ministry of Works and Housing to proceed with the project. Developments on the said land are therefore covered by an agreement concluded between the Judicial Service and the Ministry of Works and Housing,”  a press release dated January 16 stated.

The statement is in reaction to allegation by the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong that the land had been sold to a private developer.

Alleged sale of state lands for private development: Agreement between Judicial Service and Works and Housing Ministry pops up

Mr Agyapong had alleged that there was collusion between a former Chief Justice and the Sector Minister to sell the official residence of the late Justice Samuel Marful-Sau.

However, the Judicial Service said its “attention has been drawn to public statements relating to Bungalow Number C43, Onyasia Crescent, Roman Ridge, previously occupied by the late Justice Samuel Marful-Sau (JSC). On December 28, 2022, the Judicial Service received a letter from the Ministry of Works and Housing, expressing the desire to implement a Government Redevelopment Scheme within Onyasia Close, Roman Ridge, Accra. Two (2) properties that had been allocated by the Ministry of Works and Housing to the Judicial Service and which previously had been occupied by the late Justice Samuel Marful-Sau ((SC) and His Lordship Justice Victor Ofoe, JA (Rtd), fell within the re-development enclave.”

Works and Housing Ministry refutes allegation of selling official residence of a deceased judge

According to the Judicial Service, “The plan under Government Redevelopment Scheme as expressed to the Judicial Service, was to increase the housing stock in the enclave within a two (2) year period from the date of hand over of the properties to the Ministry. Upon completion of the project, four (4) housing units were to be allocated to the Judicial Service for use by Superior Court Judges. The Judicial Service accepted the offer, recognizing the serious accommodation deficit faced by the Judiciary, whilst taking into consideration the security and Safety requirements of Judges, and also convinced that the project will be beneficial to the Judicial Service.”

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