Govt’ll act on past and present improper acquisition of lands; Achimota Forest not an exception – Jinapor

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has assured that the government is going to act on all improper acquisition of lands in the country.

A statement issued by the sector Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor on Tuesday May 24 said all past and present wrong acquisition of lands would be dealt with accordingly.

“Government will act on any improper acquisition of any public lands regardless of how it was procured , whether now or in the past, and the Achimota Forest lands will not be an exception,” the Ministry said while indicating that the alleged will of the late former Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie (Sir John) is a subject matter for litigation in court.

“Preliminary inquiries reveal that the alleged will in question is a subject matter for litigation / Contestation in court.

“Further checks at the Lands and Forestry Commission , the repositories of the records of the land in question show no record of ownership of lands at at the Achimota Forest of Sarkumono Ramsar Site, by the late Kwadwo Owusus Afriyie,” the Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday May 24.

The documents lists some individual relatives of Mr Owusu Afriyie’s to be allocated some portions of the Achimota Forest, which has become a topical issue the past days as a result of an Executive Instrument signed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to declassify portions.

“I give my portion of land that I jointly own at the Achimota Forest in the name of DML Limited to Elizabeth Asare Boateng who at the time of making this will is domiciled in the USA forever,” point g. of the will of the late public official, popularly known as Sir John, stated as captured on social media.

“The Ministry takes a very serious view of the allegations, and has requested for all documents relating to the lands in question, as part of an initial inquiry to ascertain the veracity of the claims,” a statement issued on Sunday, May 22 by the Ministry said.

“Considering that the issues that form the basis of the allegations predate the tenure of the current Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, it is important that he is seized with the full facts to enable him take appropriate action, if, indeed, there is any merit in the claims.

“The Ministry assures the general public and the good people of Ghana that it will ensure that the national interest is protected at all times, especially in matters pertaining to the Achimota Forest.”

Source: 3news.com|Ghana