State land in Ghana faces a myriad of challenges that span legal, environmental, and socio-economic dimensions. One pressing issue revolves around unclear land tenure systems, leading to disputes and conflicts over ownership and usage rights. The lack of a transparent and efficient land administration system hampers effective land management, contributing to protracted legal battles and hindering investment in the sector.

In response to recent allegations by Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, the Judicial Service of Ghana has released a statement shedding light on its involvement in an agreement with the Ministry of Works and Housing for the redevelopment of state lands allocated to it. The press release, dated January 16, aims to address concerns surrounding the allocation of land and possible collusion with private developers.

The Judicial Service affirmed that the decision to release land to the Ministry was undertaken through a meticulous due process.

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“Following a series of meetings between representatives of Government, Judicial Service, and the Ministry of Works and Housing regarding the two (2) properties…, an agreement dated 17 February 2023 was entered into between the Judicial Service and the Ministry of Works and Housing to proceed with the project.”
Ghana Judicial Service

The Judicial Service clarified that any developments on the said land were governed by the terms of the agreement concluded between the Judicial Service and the Ministry of Works and Housing. This clarification comes in the wake of allegations made by Kennedy Agyapong, accusing a former Chief Justice and the Sector Minister of colluding to sell the official residence of the late Justice Samuel Marful-Sau.

The statement from the Judicial Service outlined the timeline and details of the events leading to the agreement. It revealed that on December 28, 2022, the Judicial Service received a letter from the Ministry of Works and Housing expressing the intention to implement a Government Redevelopment Scheme within Onyasia Close, Roman Ridge, Accra. The properties in question, Bungalow Number C43, Onyasia Crescent, Roman Ridge, were previously occupied by the late Justice Samuel Marful-Sau (JSC) and His Lordship Justice Victor Ofoe, JA (Rtd).

The Judicial Service clarified the objective of the Government Redevelopment Scheme, stating, “The plan under Government Redevelopment Scheme as expressed to the Judicial Service was to increase the housing stock in the enclave within a two (2) year period from the date of handover of the properties to the Ministry.” According to the agreement, upon completion of the project, four (4) housing units were to be allocated to the Judicial Service for use by Superior Court Judges.

The Judicial Service justified its acceptance of the offer by acknowledging the severe accommodation deficit faced by the Judiciary. The statement emphasized that the decision took into consideration the security and safety requirements of Judges, expressing confidence that the redevelopment project would be beneficial to the Judicial Service.

The release also addressed the specific properties in question, asserting that they fell within the re-development enclave outlined by the Ministry of Works and Housing. The Judicial Service’s detailed explanation aims to provide transparency and dispel any concerns about the legitimacy of the agreement with the Ministry.

This development highlights the complexities surrounding the use and allocation of state lands and underscores the importance of transparency in such matters. As the Judicial Service clarifies its position, further investigations may be necessary to address any lingering doubts and ensure accountability in the redevelopment project.

In order to overcome these challenges, Ghana must prioritize comprehensive land reforms, strengthen land administration systems, and promote sustainable land-use practices. This requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving government institutions, local communities, and private sector entities to foster responsible land management and ensure the well-being of both the environment and the people.