Lands Minister appeals to the judiciary to expedite land-related cases

3 News

Thu 15th Aug, 2024 08:38

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor has called on the Judiciary to expedite land-related cases.

He stressed the need for swift legal action to maintain the integrity of our public lands.

He said this during a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, August 14.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguard Ghana’s public lands. Mr Jinapor who is also lawmaker for Damongo emphasized that allegations of state capture made by some person against this government are not supported by any facts or data available at the Lands Commission.

He further stated that all land transactions under the Akufo-Addo led administration have strictly adhered to the land administration law.

He said “there is a question about selling public lands to public appointees. The rule of the game is evidence, if anybody has evidence that a public appointee has bought public lands and has done so in a manner that offends the code of ethics of public officers and that the person has put himself in a position of conflict of interest, why not, we will take a look at it.

The Damongo lawmaker further stated that claims that lands belonging to the judicial service were sold under the Akufo-Addo were false.

He says that the available facts and data at the Lands Commission point out that the lands were sold under the Mahama administration in 2026.

It is recalled that MP for North Tongu Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa alleged that lands belonging to key state institutions were sold by the current Akufo-Addo administration amid allegations of state capture.

But Abu Jinapor said “The allegation was that the judicial service land was sold under this Akufo-Addo government and that is evidence of state capture but when these allegations are made my attitude is very simple, to put together the record, and assemble the facts before we make any decision.

Asked whether the government will take the initiative to retrieve the lands, he said

“If they were not granted properly and we think that the grant is fraught with with fraud or impropriety, why not, we will take steps to retrieve them. Always remember that when it comes to land acquisition, when you have a lease or contract and it is governed by law it is not that straightforward to cancel a lease or withdraw a lease but if there is a need for it we will take those steps.

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