Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has indicated that his ongoing parliamentary probe into State Capture has uncovered new evidence, revealing that the phenomenon is more pervasive and entrenched than previously suspected, with fresh interceptions exposing its deeper and wider reach.

According to Ablakwa, the recent revelations provide a clear explanation for the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government’s persistent refusal to disclose the comprehensive list of public land sales, despite a prolonged three-year battle by parliament to access the information from the executive.

He pointed out that the NPP’s latest manifesto, released recently, was notably silent on proposals to tackle State Capture and the shady sale of public assets to favored individuals, a striking omission that raises eyebrows.

“The latest revelations are bound to create further credibility crisis for the deceptive Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government which consistently claims that our public lands are not being sold and that they are safe, secure, and intact”.
“Here’s a first batch of the interesting names contained in the latest interceptions on the sale of prime lands by President Akufo-Addo to his appointees and other NPP politically exposed persons at the AU Village/La Wireless enclave: Kate Gyamfua, Ibrahim Mohammed, Dr. Ernest Yedu Addison, Elsie Addo Awadzi, Maxwell Opoku-Afari, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Dr. Janet Ampadu Fofie, Kwabena Mantey Jectey Nyarko, Anselm Ransford Adzete Sowah, and Anna Asare Oduro”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

Ablakwa further revealed that Kate Gyamfua, the NPP Women’s Organiser, acquired a state asset from President Akufo-Addo on August 31, 2022, raising questions about the transparency and legitimacy of the transaction.

He further disclosed that Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, who was the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture at the time, acquired a state asset from President Akufo-Addo on November 30, 2020, in a transaction that raises questions about conflict of interest and abuse of power.

According to the North Tongu MP, Ablakwa, Dr. Ernest Yedu Addison, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, acquired a state asset from President Akufo-Addo on August 31, 2022.

He stressed that this particular transaction has raised eyebrows and sparked concerns about the cozy relationship between the central bank chief and the presidency.

Asset Acquisition Under Scrutiny

Furthermore, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa pointed out that Elsie Addo Awadzi, the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, acquired a state asset from President Akufo-Addo on August 27, 2020.

According to him, two high-ranking officials acquired state assets from President Akufo-Addo: Maxwell Opoku-Afari, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, on August 31, 2022, and Joseph Boahen Aidoo, CEO of COCOBOD, on October 30, 2020.

“Dr. Janet Ampadu Fofie (Chairperson, Presidential Emoluments Committee) — Purchased from President Akufo-Addo on 29th June, 2022; Kwabena Mantey Jectey Nyarko (Board Member, Ghana Airport Company Limited) — Purchased from President Akufo-Addo on 22nd October, 2022”.
“Anselm Ransford Adzete Sowah (Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada) — Purchased from President Akufo-Addo on 14th October 2020; Anna Asare Oduro (Former NPP Women’s Organiser, Holland Chapter) — Purchased from President Akufo-Addo on 25th February 2021”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

Ablakwa vowed to continue exposing the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government’s questionable and secretive land deals until they heed the people’s call for transparency and accountability.

He demanded that the government publish the complete and unredacted data on the sale and current status of public lands, emphasizing that these lands ultimately belong to the Ghanaian people.

Ablakwa expressed his delight at the progress being made on the Private Member’s Bill, which aims to prohibit politicians, politically exposed persons, and top public officials from purchasing state assets.

He believes this legislation is crucial, as it addresses another significant concern surrounding the opaque sale of public lands and state assets to government officials.

The North Tongu MP declared that his primary commitment is to serve the country, underscoring the importance of putting Ghana’s needs above all else.