Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Mr. Samuel Abu Jinapor has given assurance that public lands across the country are secure and being managed with the highest level of integrity under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
He lauded the Akufo-Addo-led administration for being meticulous in protecting public lands over the last seven and half years.
The Lands and Natural Resources Minister stated these at a media briefing in Accra yesterday where he refuted recent allegations that the government is engaged in state capture by facilitating the improper acquisition of public lands by a select few.
“I want to assure the public that all public lands are safe. The government has been meticulous in ensuring that every transaction involving public lands is conducted transparently and in full compliance with the law,” Mr. Jinapor who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Damongo in the Savannah Region reiterated.
The Minister’s comments were in direct response to allegations by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, that the government is enabling powerful individuals to acquire prime public lands under questionable circumstances.
Mr. Ablakwa’s allegations included claims that lands in Accra’s prime areas such as Cantonments, Ridge, and Airport Residential Area have been sold at below market prices to individuals with close ties to the government.
“These claims are not only baseless but are also an attempt to mislead the public.
“We have adhered strictly to due process in the allocation and management of public lands, and all transactions have been done with the best interest of the nation at heart,” Mr. Jinapor stated.
He provided detailed information about several high-profile land transactions that have been under scrutiny.
Land allocation
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources outlined processes by which some state lands were legally acquired.
On the Cantonments Civil Aviation Land, Mr. Jinapor explained that this land was reallocated for the development of national infrastructure, including a new headquarters for the Civil Aviation Authority.
The allocation, he stressed, followed a competitive bidding process, with the land being valued at market rates.
Mr. Jinapor also clarified that the Ridge Prime Land was leased to a private developer through an open and transparent process.
The lease agreement, he noted, included strict conditions to ensure the land is used for public benefit, including commercial and residential development aimed at job creation.
With regards to the Airport Residential Area Lands, Mr. Jinapor said these lands were sold or leased at rates determined by independent valuers.
He further assured that all proceeds from these transactions have been fully accounted for by the Lands Commission.
Mr. Jinapor said in furtherance of this, government has initiated processes to safeguard its lands pointing to initiatives like the digitization of land records and the establishment of a special task force to prevent illegal encroachments.
‘Govt to compile and publish list of public lands soon’
Mr Jinapor said government is set to compile and publish a comprehensive list of all public lands in the country.
This, he indicated, is part of its ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of national assets.
Mr. Jinapor emphasized that this initiative is a testament to the Akufo-Addo administration’s commitment to protecting public lands from encroachment and misuse.
“The Akufo-Addo government has been unwavering in its resolve to protect public lands. We are not only committed to preserving these lands but also to ensuring that the public is fully informed about their status.
“This is why we are in the process of compiling and publishing a detailed list of all public lands across the country,” Mr. Jinapor added.
