Allegations of state capture of public lands false, says Jinapor

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has dismissed allegations of state capture in the management of public lands under the Akufo-Addo-led administration as false and unfounded.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, 14 August 2024, Jinapor robustly defended the government’s handling of public lands, insisting that all transactions have been conducted with transparency and in the best interest of the nation.

“Let me be absolutely clear: these allegations of state capture are completely without merit. The Akufo-Addo government has adhered strictly to due process in the management of public lands, and there has been no underhandedness or favoritism in our dealings,” he said.

The Minister’s remarks come in the wake of serious accusations leveled by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who has accused the government of allowing a select group of individuals in government to acquire public lands through questionable means. Mr. Ablakwa argued that this constitutes a form of state capture, where public resources are effectively hijacked by private interests to the detriment of the broader population.

Among the most contentious issues raised by Mr. Ablakwa is the alleged sale of prime public lands in Accra, including areas such as Cantonments, Ridge, and Airport Residential Area, at prices far below their market value. He has called for an independent inquiry into these transactions, claiming they are emblematic of a broader pattern of corruption within the land sector.

Addressing these allegations, Mr. Jinapor categorically denied any wrongdoing on the part of the government. He emphasized that all land transactions carried out under the current administration have been done in full compliance with the law, with the necessary approvals from relevant authorities.

“Every piece of land that has been allocated or sold has gone through a rigorous process. These transactions are scrutinized at multiple levels to ensure that they are above board, and any suggestion to the contrary is simply not true,” he said.

The Lands Minister went on to provide a detailed account of the lands in question. He explained that the Cantonments Civil Aviation Land for example was reallocated for the development of critical national infrastructure, including a new headquarters for the Civil Aviation Authority noting that the reallocation was done following a competitive bidding process and that the valuation of the land was consistent with market rates.

On the Ridge Prime Land, the Minister clarified that this parcel of land, located in one of Accra’s most sought-after neighborhoods, was leased to a private developer after an open and transparent process. He added that the lease agreement includes provisions that ensure the land will be used for purposes that benefit the public, such as commercial and residential development that will create jobs and boost the local economy.

The Airport Residential Area Lands, he stressed were sold or leased at rates determined by independent valuers and that all proceeds from the transactions were fully accounted for by the Lands Commission.

The Minister also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to protect and manage public lands more effectively. He pointed to the digitization of land records and the establishment of a special task force as key initiatives that have significantly improved transparency and accountability in the land sector.

This, the Minister reiterated government’s commitment to preserving public lands as national assets, emphasizing that these lands are not for the exclusive benefit of any individual or group.

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