Former Member of Parliament for Adentan, Yaw Buaben Asamoa, has stated that the sale of state lands to private individuals has become a major source of corruption.
He claimed that over the years, access to these lands has been tainted and heavily politicized.
On TV3’s Key Points on August 3, Asamoa remarked, “It has become a source of corruption; the lands are sold at very low prices. Access to this market has been corrupted and politicized heavily.”
He further emphasized the need for transparent pricing and processes in the sale of state lands, suggesting that while reinvestment may be necessary, it should be conducted transparently to create jobs and ensure fair market value.
North Tongu lawmaker Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa echoed concerns about the Lands Commission’s role in the sale of state lands.
He accused the commission of being complicit, citing their support for a private developer in a legal case against the Ghana Prison Service regarding the Borstal homelands. “Clearly, the Lands Commission is complicit,” he said on TV3.
These comments come despite the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources refuting claims that the current government is selling state lands to cronies.
The Ministry has labeled these allegations as false and politically motivated. They assert that any controversial sales occurred during the previous John Mahama administration, which Mr. Ablakwa was part of.
The Ministry has called on the public to disregard Mr. Ablakwa’s accusations.
“For the avoidance doubt the land occupied by the Du Bois Centre, the subject-matter of the Member of Parliament’s allegations, has neither been sold nor leased to any private entity.”
“From the foregoing, it is clear that the lands, the subject matter of the Member of Parliament’s allegations, were not sold and/or leased under the current administration, and the allegations of state capture are, therefore, false,” an excerpt of the statement said.
The statement added that President Akufo-Addo is committed to efficient and effective land administration, anchored on the highest standards of integrity.
“President Akufo-Addo is committed to an efficient and effective land administration that is anchored on the highest standards of integrity, transparency and candour, in the public interest. “
“The Ministry will, therefore, continue to work with all stakeholders to deliver an effective, transparent, responsive and orderly land administration which is above board and steeped in integrity,” the statement concluded.
