The Member of Parliament for North Tongu in the Volta Region, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has raised concerns about the government’s land redevelopment policy, terming it as one of the most abused policies in the country’s history.
The Ranking Member of the Foreign Affair Committee of Parliament strongly argued that the implementation of the scheme has led to the displacement of numerous government and public officials from their homes to make way for luxury apartments, which only a select few can afford.
Speaking passionately on the issue in a media interview on Wednesday, January 17 2024, the North Tongu Member of Parliament emphasized that the policy even though was originally intended to provide housing for government and public officials, has gone wrong
According Honorable Ablakwa the situation has led to dislodging several public servants, including judges and medical professionals, affecting such public workers in crucial positions who require proximity to their workplaces for emergency response.
“This land redevelopment policy has totally outlived its usefulness, it’s been probably the most abused policy in our country’s history and it should not continue.
“I can give you a tall list, judges have not been excluded as victims of this policy, public servants, civil servants, doctors who should be close so that if there is an emergency, you need them close to Korle Bu or close to Ridge hospital, they can be in good proximity, so that they can save our lives they’ve all been dislodged because of this same policy in the name of redevelopment, in the name of in-filling”.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Ablakwa Raises Concerns Over Lack Of Transparency On Accra Land Redevelopment Policy
Furthermore, the North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa expressed concern about the lack of clear guidelines governing the implementation of the entire redevelopment of land policy in Accra by the government of Ghana.
According to him, the process lacks transparency, with no established criteria on who benefits, how spare land is auctioned or sold, and how titles are awarded to the various individual who acquired it.
He asserted that the extreme lack of transparency surrounding the entire process has contributed to the abuse and questionable circumstances under which some state lands are sold to private entities.
“What happens is that the land is sold to people in private sector, sometimes under very dubious circumstances and luxury apartments are constructed as Mrs. Adenyira JSC stated in this judgement and then it leads to many public officials being dislodged.
“It is shrouded in secrecy, a lot of opacity, it’s done behind the scenes before you know you receive an eviction order, leave as a public official or as a judge, and there are so many harrowing stories”.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Highlighting the impact on individuals who hold sensitive positions, the former Deputy Minister of Information and Education under the erstwhile National Democratic Congress administration called for a reassessment of the policy to ensure that it serves its intended purpose without compromising the housing needs of public officials.
The Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa further stressed the importance and the need for government of Ghana to clearly established guidelines and ensure transparency to prevent the abuse of the redevelopment process.
The comments by the North Tongu Member of Parliament, Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reinforces the growing concerns expressed by some well-meaning Ghanaians about the perceived misuse of government lands and the need for a comprehensive review of existing policies to address shortcomings and prevent further irregularities.
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