Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that the ORAL Team conducted a field assessment, visiting several sites in Accra linked to allegations of State Capture.
He explained that these field visits are a crucial component of the ongoing process of gathering evidence, verifying the validity of claims outlined in petitions submitted by the public, and compiling detailed data.
This comprehensive approach is part of the broader efforts within President Mahama’s ORAL preparatory framework, aimed at ensuring thorough investigation and accountability.
“The locations inspected by Team ORAL include the Dubois Centre, Agric Mechanization lands, Labadi Beach Hotel’s beachfront, La Trade Fair, the demolished Bulgarian Embassy, and the encroached Northern Development Authority land in Cantonments.
“At the Dubois Centre, Team ORAL was compelled to invite National Security to take over the facility in order to restore peace and security following heightened tensions between staff of the Ministry of Tourism and a company that claims to have been given a contract by the outgone government to take charge and run the center”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Hon. Ablakwa further highlighted that staff members of the Ministry of Tourism reported their offices had been locked, with some even receiving death threats.
In light of these alarming developments, he stated that the ORAL Team proceeded to the Agric Mechanization lands in Cantonments. Upon arrival, the team was pleased to observe that the military had been deployed to intervene, effectively halting a troubling and opaque appropriation of the lands.
According to him, this appropriation was allegedly orchestrated by politically exposed individuals linked to the previous government, who had evicted staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and carried out rezoning activities without the necessary parliamentary approval.
The deployment of the military, according to Hon. Ablakwa, represents a positive step towards safeguarding public lands and ensuring accountability in the face of such irregularities.
ORAL Team Exposes Dubious Land Grabbing at NDA Offices
Furthermore, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed that, in response to distress calls, the ORAL Team visited the offices of the Northern Development Authority (NDA) in Cantonments.
He noted that during their visit, they observed that unidentified individuals had hastily constructed walls in an attempt to unlawfully seize large portions of NDA land under highly questionable circumstances.
He emphasized that this blatant land grabbing was carried out with alarming speed and under dubious conditions, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the process.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the team promptly reported the matter to National Security, urging them to intervene and safeguard the disputed land.
Hon. Ablakwa reiterated the team’s commitment to ensuring that public lands are protected and that those involved in such illicit activities are held accountable.
“Consequently, we have assured officials of the Bulgarian Embassy when we toured their demolished property that our extensive report will adequately document the current state of affairs for appropriate action by the new Mahama administration.
“We can also confirm that construction of an apartment complex on the demolished Bulgarian Embassy land by Dr. Yaw Adu Ampomah who was President Akufo-Addo’s NDPC appointee remains suspended”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Ablakwa also announced that in the days ahead, Team ORAL will persist with their State Capture field assessments and validation exercises nationwide.
He emphasized that these efforts are crucial in gathering comprehensive and credible evidence, which will form the basis of a detailed and thorough report.
This report, once completed, will be presented to President Mahama to ensure that all findings are meticulously documented and addressed.
Hon. Ablakwa underscored the team’s dedication to uncovering and rectifying instances of State Capture, reinforcing their commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of national assets.
He emphasized that Team ORAL is committed to ensuring the thorough and effective execution of this preparatory task “and that the high expectations of the Ghanaian people are duly met”.
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