Former President John Dramani Mahama has vowed to investigate the wonton sale of state lands by the current administration if voted into office in this year’s general election.
The former President in a post on Facebook accused the Akufo-Addo government of disposing of state lands and properties at an alarming rate and assured his administration will prioritize repossession of these lands.
The allegation comes in the wake of claims by Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, who suggested that lands belonging to the Judicial Service had been sold to a private developer.
The Judicial Service of Ghana, however, has clarified the situation, stating that the land deal was conducted following due process.
A press release from the Judicial Service, dated January 16, 2023, explained that following a series of meetings between representatives of the Government, Judicial Service, and the Ministry of Works and Housing regarding the two properties… an agreement dated 17 February 2023 was entered into between the Judicial Service and the Ministry of Works and Housing to proceed with the project.
Developments on the said land are therefore covered by an agreement concluded between the Judicial Service and the Ministry of Works and Housing.
The Judicial Service also responded to Mr. Agyapong’s claims of collusion involving a former Chief Justice and the Sector Minister to sell the residence of the late Justice Samuel Marful-Sau.
The Judicial Service stated, “Our attention has been drawn to public statements relating to Bungalow Number C43, Onyasia Crescent, Roman Ridge, previously occupied by the late Justice Samuel Marful-Sau. On December 28, 2022, the Judicial Service received a letter from the Ministry of Works and Housing, expressing the desire to implement a Government Redevelopment Scheme within Onyasia Close, Roman Ridge, Accra.”
The release further explained that the properties, previously occupied by the late Justice Samuel Marful-Sau and Justice Victor Ofoe, fell within the redevelopment enclave.
“The plan under the Government Redevelopment Scheme was to increase the housing stock in the enclave within two years from the date of handover of the properties to the Ministry. Upon completion of the project, four housing units were to be allocated to the Judicial Service for use by Superior Court Judges.”
“The Judicial Service accepted the offer, recognizing the serious accommodation deficit faced by the Judiciary, while considering the security and safety requirements of Judges, convinced that the project will be beneficial to the Judicial Service,” the statement said.