State properties, including assets, resources, and institutions, are critical components of a nation’s infrastructure and economy.
However, these properties are vulnerable to state capture, where individuals or groups exploit them for personal gain, compromising their integrity and purpose.
Protecting state properties against state capture is essential for maintaining good governance, accountability, and transparency.
Accordingly, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu, has observed that the fight against State Capture is becoming increasingly complex.
However, Ablakwa emphasized that he remains resolute and unwavering in his commitment to protecting state properties.
“…The first on the list of properties the Judicial Service of Ghana has gone to court on 24th February 2024 to reclaim is a building now occupied by Gabby Otchere-Darko’s Asaase Broadcasting Company Limited. The Asaase Radio building in issue is Number 7, 5th Circular Road, located in Cantonments”.
“According to court documents, the Judicial Service of Ghana insists that the sale of Number 7, 5th Circular Road in Cantonments which was last occupied by Justice F. G. Korbie is unconstitutional and unlawful”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Hon. Ablakwa revealed that, through diligent parliamentary oversight, it has been discovered that Lilly Homes Limited purchased the property at Number 7, 5th Circular Road, Cantonments, on March 4th, 2020.
He pointed out that Lilly Homes Limited is linked to a prominent director of Asaase Broadcasting Company Limited through familial relationships, raising potential conflict of interest concerns.
As such, the North Tongu MP indicated that Lilly Homes and Asaase Radio have a clear and unmistakable connection, with evidence of a collaborative partnership between the two entities.
Ablakwa further exposed that the ownership trail of the contentious property leads back to former President Kufuor, who sold the bungalow to Mr. Fosuaba Akwasi Banahene on July 18th, 2006, before it was subsequently acquired by Lilly Homes.
Ablakwa pointed out that, at the time of the sale, Mr. Fosuaba Akwasi Banahene was serving as the chairman of the GETFund board, a position to which he had been appointed by President Kufuor himself.
Ablakwa’s Probe Turns Up Damning Evidence
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa suggested that his probe into the remaining bungalows identified by the Judicial Service of Ghana has turned up even more explosive evidence, which will be made public soon.
Ablakwa stated that this latest revelation has further debunked the false narrative peddled by Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor, who falsely claimed that former President Mahama had sold all the bungalows currently being contested by the Judicial Service in court.
“Not surprising, credible and irrefutable reports indicate that the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government has requested for a negotiated resolution with the Chief Justice and the Judicial Service of Ghana. We shall be monitoring keenly and studying the terms of the resolution”.
“I must emphasize that it would be in the interest of transparency and accountability for the final amicable resolution between the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration and the Chief Justice to be published”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Ablakwa expressed his delight at the growing support from Ghanaians across various political divides for the Private Member’s Bill.
This bill, he indicated, aims to prevent politicians, government officials, public officials, and other politically exposed persons from acquiring state assets.
As such, the NPP stated that the bill’s increasing backing is a promising development.
Ablakwa revealed that his recent exposé on the sale of prime Cantonments state lands to politically exposed persons at ridiculously low values, without following due process, has sparked a public outcry.
He indicated that some Ghanaians, including NPP’s Nana Akomea, are now calling for a total ban on the sale of state assets to prevent such abuses of power.
The North Tongu MP further noted that some individuals are advocating for a clause that would permanently prohibit the resale or gifting of public lands, under any circumstances whatsoever.
“We welcome and deeply appreciate all useful contributions to help improve the Protection of State Assets Bill, 2024”. – Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
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