The Lands Commission has issued an official statement addressing allegations made by Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, regarding the ownership of a property located at No. 7, 5th Circular Road, Cantonments.
The subject of ongoing legal disputes involving the Judicial Service of Ghana, the Lands Commission, Frimps Oil Company Ltd., and the Attorney-General, the property has attracted significant public attention.
The Lands Commission clarified the facts surrounding the contested property and corrected any misinformation that has emerged in public discourse.
The commission emphasized its role as the constitutional body responsible for the management of public lands in Ghana and a repository of all land records, asserting its commitment to transparency and integrity in handling land administration.
At the core of the dispute is the property identified as No. 7, 5th Circular Road, Cantonments, Accra. According to the Lands Commission, this land is distinct from the parcel of land occupied by Asaase Broadcasting Company Limited, a point that had been conflated in public discussions.
The commission reiterated that the property currently being contested in a suit filed by the Judicial Service of Ghana against the Lands Commission and others is separate from Asaase Broadcasting’s premises, contrary to earlier claims.
“Following the commencement of the Suit by the Judicial Service of Ghana, the Lands Commission, on 19th July, 2023, applied for further and better particulars in respect of all the lands mentioned in the suit, and requested for the site plans of the said lands.
“This is because Client Satisfaction Is Our Goal Commission accurately identifies land by the appropriate site plans, and not by house numbers.”
Lands Commission
The property in question was originally part of a government land acquisition that dates back to June 7, 1920. This land was designated for government services and developed into residential bungalows managed by the Ministry of Works and Housing for allocation to public service staff.
The land was later subdivided into four parcels as part of an infilling scheme, with three of the parcels having undergone leasing transactions in recent years.
The Lands Commission highlighted that it records show that none of these parcels are connected to Asaase Broadcasting Company, reaffirming that Asaase has no interest in the property under litigation.
Discrepancies Addressed Regarding Asaase Broadcasting Company’s Land
In its statement, the Lands Commission also provided clarity on the land Asaase Broadcasting Company Limited occupies.
“This land was leased to Mr. Fosuaba Akwasi Mensah Banahene for 99 years starting on July 18, 2006, with subsequent legal transactions involving mortgage and assignment to Lilly Homes Limited.”
Lands Commission
The commission emphasized that Asaase Broadcasting’s land is unrelated to the ongoing legal battle over No. 7, 5th Circular Road, Cantonments.
For the avoidance of doubt, the press release made it clear that the property occupied by Asaase Broadcasting Company is not part of the Judicial Service’s suit, debunking any insinuations that might suggest otherwise.
Refuting Allegations Against the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
Hon. Ablakwa had alleged that the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources made false claims regarding the sale of public land.
The Lands Commission unequivocally rejected this accusation, stating that the minister’s remarks were based on facts surrounding the specific parcel of land identified in the Judicial Service’s suit.
“The property, which lies opposite the American Embassy and is labeled as Plots 3A to 3F, was leased to Frimps Oil Company Limited on July 13, 2015, by the Republic of Ghana.
“Frimps Oil’s attempt to take possession of the property under the terms of this lease led the Judicial Service of Ghana to initiate legal action.”
Lands Commission
The Commission clarified that the minister’s comments were in direct reference to this transaction and not a broader sale of public lands, as implied by Hon. Ablakwa.
The Lands Commission reassured the public that it, alongside the Ministries of Lands and Natural Resources, Works and Housing, and the Attorney-General’s office, is working collaboratively with the Judicial Service of Ghana to resolve the ongoing dispute.
The statement emphasized the Commission’s commitment to efficient and orderly land management, rooted in the principles of transparency, integrity, and accountability.
The Lands Commission welcomed public interest in the management of state lands, noting that public scrutiny plays an essential role in protecting national assets.
However, it urged the public and media to verify information before making allegations, particularly regarding land transactions.
The commission offered its services to provide accurate information on public lands and reaffirmed its dedication to upholding the highest standards of public service in land administration.
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