“All public lands are safe and secure under Akufo-Addo administration” – Samuel A. Jinapor
In a robust defense of the Akufo-Addo administration’s handling of public lands, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, has assured Ghanaians that all public lands under the government’s stewardship are secure and being judiciously managed.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and the protection of national assets, countering recent allegations of state capture and the indiscriminate sale of public lands.
He reiterated the government’s responsibility to manage and utilize these lands in the interest of the Ghanaian people, as mandated by the Constitution.
The Minister highlighted several key points to dispel what he described as misinformation about the government’s land management practices.
One of the most prominent examples he discussed was the land hosting the former Bulgarian Embassy.
According to Mr. Jinapor, this land was part of a larger parcel acquired by the state in 1920 and subsequently granted to a private individual, Theophilus Kofi Leighton, in 1977, for a 99-year lease.
He clarified that the government had no role in the recent demolishing of the embassy building, an act carried out by the executor of Mr. Leighton’s will under a court order.
The Minister stressed that the government’s only involvement was to mediate due to the diplomatic nature of the situation, ensuring that any compensation due would not be paid by the state.
Addressing further allegations, Minister Jinapor detailed the history of several other public lands, including those at Roman Ridge, Cantonments, and properties leased by the Judicial Service.
He noted that these lands were either leased or sold by previous governments, long before the current administration took office.
“For instance, the Parks and Gardens land at Cantonments was leased in 2016, following a request from the then Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development under the leadership of Hon. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah”
Mr. Jinapor questioned the credibility of accusations against the current government, given that these transactions occurred prior to its tenure.
The Minister also provided insights into the government’s proactive measures to protect public lands.
He referenced a 2021 policy directive requiring the Lands Commission to seek presidential approval before granting any interest in public land.
This measure, he noted, was designed to ensure that the President, as the custodian of these lands, is fully informed before any transactions are finalized.
Mr. Jinapor also revealed that the government has been actively reversing unauthorized leases of public lands, particularly in the Northern Region, following investigations into improper land transfers.
Further emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding public lands, the Minister announced ongoing efforts to digitize land records through the Enterprise Land Information System (ELIS).
This digitalization initiative, he said, will promote efficient land service delivery and improve transparency across the country.
The Lands and Natural Resources Minister reiterated that the allegations of state capture and the reckless sale of public lands were baseless and politically motivated, especially with elections approaching.
He assured the public that the government would continue to manage public lands with the highest standards of integrity and in the public interest.
Moreover, he announced that President Akufo-Addo had ordered the compilation of a comprehensive list of all public lands transferred since the inception of the Fourth Republic, with details to be made public once the exercise is complete.
The Minister’s remarks serve as a strong rebuttal to critics, reaffirming the Akufo-Addo administration’s dedication to protecting and managing Ghana’s public lands for the benefit of all citizens.
