At a press conference in Accra, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Samuel Abu Jinapor showcased two significant initiatives: digitizing land records and establishing a special task force.
These efforts have significantly boosted transparency and reduced land administration fraud.
Abu Jinapor urged the Judiciary to expedite land-related cases, emphasizing the need for swift legal action to protect public lands.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s public lands.
Addressing allegations of state capture, Abu Jinapor stated that claims against the government lack factual basis.
He emphasized that all land transactions under the current administration adhere strictly to land administration laws.
Regarding public appointees acquiring public lands, Abu Jinapor stressed the importance of evidence-based claims.
He personally believes public appointees should avoid acquiring public lands to prevent conflicts of interest.
Abu Jinapor debunked claims that lands belonging to the judicial service were sold under the Akufo-Addo administration, citing Lands Commission records showing the sale occurred in 2016 under the Mahama administration.
He described the allegations as “palpably false”.
In response to MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s allegations of state capture, Abu Jinapor emphasized the importance of fact-checking.
He revealed that assembled facts disproved the claims, showing the lands were sold under the previous administration.
Regarding potential retrieval of improperly granted lands, Abu Jinapor stated that the government would take necessary steps if fraud or impropriety is detected, while acknowledging the complexities of canceling leases governed by law.
