The Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Honorable Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed has called for the immediate summoning of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Honorable Samuel Abu Jinpaor to answer pressing questions regarding the rampant sale of state lands.
The National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament, in a passionate call on Parliament, decried the alleged uncontrolled acquisition of state property by private individuals, particularly in the Tamale Central constituency.
Honourable Murtala Mohammed highlighted the alarming situation in Tamale, comparing the rate at which state lands are being sold to the ease of purchasing “koose” (bean cakes) or roasted groundnuts.
He emphasized the growing population of Tamale and the critical need for state land to support public infrastructure and community services.
“The population of Tamale is skyrocketing day by day. The land that belongs to the Tamale West Hospital has been sold, and people are developing it with speed. You go there in the night, and they are putting up buildings. The local government road heading towards estates, bungalows, and properties belonging to the state have been sold”
Tamale Central Member of Parliament, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed
Impact of Sale of State Lands on Critical Services
Furthermore, the member of the Public Account Committee of Parliament extended his concerns over the alleged sale of state lands within his constituency to the impacts on critical services, including the prison srevice.
He recounted complaints from prison officers who according to him had been ordered to vacate their accommodation because the land on which the stay has been sold.
He added that the entire roof of the buildings on the stretch, in which prison officers stay has been ripped off, underscoring the severe implications for prison officers now forced to seek alternative housing.
Highlighting the severity of the issue, the Tamale Central legislator strongly called for urgent measures by the government to tackle the acquisition of state lands by private individuals.
Honourable Murtala underscored the urgency of addressing the issue to prevent further erosion of public assets.
In an earlier remarks, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, former President John Dramani Mahama expressed deep concern over the alleged sale of state lands.
The leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress, in a scathing critique chastised the New Patriotic Party administration under President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for what he described as an unprecedented disposal of state properties.
The former President, while lamenting over the issue, expressed his unalloyed commitment to tackle the unprecedented disposal of state lands and properties by political leaders and high government officials under the current administration.
He emphasized that, if elected, his administration would prioritize a thorough investigation and the repossession of these lands to safeguard national assets.
The former president’s comments amplify the growing discontent among the public and political figures over the issue, increasing pressure on the government to act.
The call for the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to appear before Parliament reflects a broader demand for transparency and accountability in the management of state lands
It would be recalled that earlier this year, the Assin Central Member of Parliament and former NPP Presidential Aspirant, Honorable Kennedy Agyapong accused the Minister for Works and Housing, Mr Asenso Boakye and former Chief Justice, Kwesi Aning Yeboah, of illegally acquiring state lands, including the official residence of the late Justice Marfo-Sau.
Mr Agyapong, while decrying the situation, appealed to the eventual winner of the 2024 elections, to investigate the alleged land misappropriation.
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