Akufo-Addo Government Complicit in Galamsey and State Land Grab- Suhuyini

The Minority in Parliament has launched a fierce critique of the Akufo-Addo administration, accusing the President and his ministers of sponsoring illegal mining activities, known locally as galamsey, and facilitating land grabs for personal gain.

At a press briefing in parliament on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, the Ranking Member of Lands and Natural Resources, Alhassan  Suhuyini  Sayibu  accused President Akufo-Addo  of what he described as the government’s “State Capture” of critical national assets.

He accused the government of manipulating state power to benefit a select few individuals and businesses and described the situation as a clear case of state capture, where powerful entities exert undue influence over the state’s decision-making processes to their advantage, at the expense of public interest.

One of the primary issues highlighted by the Minority was the ongoing controversy surrounding the Bulgarian Embassy land in Accra.

The Minority claimed the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor had deceived the public by celebrating Theophilus Kofi Leighton as the legitimate owner of the land.

According to Suhuyini,”government records reveal that the sublease granted to the Bulgarian Embassy was nullified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

Furthermore, a government-appointed inquiry found that Kofi Leighton had fraudulently obtained ownership of the land, emphasizing that, despite these findings, the Minister allegedly continues to promote a narrative that prioritizes private interests over those of the state.

The Minority criticized the Minister’s handling of the Parks and Gardens land at Cantonments. They said despite the Minister’s assertion that the land was allocated to Wontirim Company Ltd., the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development informed Parliament that the claimant lacked valid documentation.

They argued that this is another instance of the Minister promoting state capture by manipulating decision-making to benefit private claimants.

The Minority also accused the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources of undermining the Judiciary’s efforts by supporting fraudulent claims made by Frimps Oil Company Ltd.

The Tamale North MP described this behaviour as both disingenuous and damaging to state interests,  and further condemned the government for unauthorized allocations of public lands in the Northern Region to private developers.

The Minority demanded the immediate dismissal and criminal investigation of officials involved in these allocations, which were allegedly made without the President’s approval. Additionally, the Minority called on the Minister to publish the full report of the committee set up to investigate these transfers.

Suhuyini also questioned the involvement of Clemence Gyato, CEO of Aynok Holdings, in the team, citing inconsistencies in the Ministry’s explanations for his inclusion.

He reiterated the Minority call for transparency regarding this arrangement, which they believe poses a significant threat to national security.

On the issue of galamsey, the Minority expressed deep concern over the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, noting that approximately 60% of the country’s water bodies are now polluted.

They accused the President and Vice President of ignoring the crisis and demanded the dismissal of the Ministers responsible for Science and Environment, and Lands and Natural Resources.

Hon, Suhuyini assured the public that a future NDC government would thoroughly investigate the sale and acquisition of state lands under the current administration. He emphasized the NDC’s commitment to recovering looted state assets and holding those involved in illegal mining accountable.

He reiterated former President Mahama’s promise to implement the “Operation Recover All Loot” initiative, as outlined in the NDC manifesto.

Source:expressnewsghana.com