Ghana’s Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has exposed another instance of alleged State Capture by the Akufo-Addo government in its land grabbing spree, which led to the 2017 demolition of the Bulgarian Embassy in Accra.
In his latest exposé, Ablakwa shared intercepted documents revealing that the Land Valuation Division of the Lands Commission has determined a substantial compensation of GHS5,383,000.00 (approximately $5.3 million) for the Bulgarian government.
This information, he claims, is being concealed from the public by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor.
“Another crucial piece of information the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor is concealing from the Ghanaian people is the cost of compensation which the Bulgarians are expecting from Ghana after their Embassy was mindlessly demolished in 2017,” Ablakwa said
“Intercepted documents which are duly attached, reveal that the Land Valuation Division of the Lands Commission has determined that the Bulgarian Government be compensated with a colossal amount of GHS5,383,000.00.”
Ablakwa warns that this figure, calculated last year, could increase significantly due to Ghana’s currency depreciation. He expressed concern that Ghanaian taxpayers might have to foot the bill, as the government claims the demolition’s mastermind, Albert Jojo Hagan, remains at large.
Adding to the controversy, Dr. Yaw Adu Ampomah, an appointee of President Akufo-Addo at the National Development Planning Commission, who allegedly purchased the land from Hagan, also claims to be unable to locate him.
“State Capture does not only lead to international embarrassment and potential conflict with other countries, it also causes massive financial loss,” Ablakwa stated, highlighting the opportunity cost of the compensation amount.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources had in a statement issued on Tuesday, July 16, denied allegations by Ablakwa that the current government is unfairly selling state lands to its allies.
But the MP’s response with documents raise questions about transparency in the government’s handling of the case and the potential implications for Ghana’s international relations and public finances.
Ablakwa has vowed to continue his fight against what he terms “State Capture,” promising that those responsible will face consequences.
