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Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has accused President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of alleged state capture involving public lands in Cantonments, Accra. The legislator claims that prime lands have been handed over to the President’s daughter, Edwina Akufo-Addo, and niece, Adeline Akufo-Addo Kufuor, for private commercial ventures.
In a series of revelations shared on social media, Mr. Ablakwa called on President Akufo-Addo and the Lands Commission to provide clarity before January 7, 2025. He cited official documents obtained by his oversight team from the Lands Commission that allegedly prove irregularities in the ownership and use of these public lands.
Allegations Surrounding The Lotte
According to Ablakwa, Adeline Akufo-Addo Kufuor, the President’s niece, owns The Lotte, an elite fashion boutique located on 0.33 acres of Cantonments land. The MP’s investigation revealed that the land, originally designated as a Hausa Reserve under a state acquisition dating back to 1894, remains classified as public land in official records.
“The records at the Lands Commission indicate no lease agreement or payment for the use of this land,” Ablakwa stated. “It remains a mystery how the President’s niece came to occupy this property for a private venture.”
Concerns Over Nsuomnam Restaurant
Edwina Akufo-Addo, the President’s daughter, is listed as a director of Nsuomnam Limited, which operates an upmarket restaurant on 1.19 acres of Cantonments land. Ablakwa alleged that conflicting records from the Lands Commission further complicate the legality of this land acquisition.
A search certificate dated September 10, 2024, classified the land as state property with no plotted activity. However, a separate search certificate dated August 21, 2024, claimed the same property was leased in 1969 to a third party, Johnson Baoteng Siriboe, who later mortgaged it to Barclays Bank.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
Ablakwa raised concerns about the legality and ethical implications of the acquisitions, questioning why lands originally acquired for public use under the 1894 Hausa Reserve title are now being used for private commercial ventures. He noted that the current use of these lands does not align with their original purpose, constituting a possible violation of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
Article 257(1) of the Constitution vests all public lands in the President to hold in trust for the people of Ghana. Ablakwa argued that these transactions undermine this trust and called for accountability from the Lands Commission.
Demand for Transparency
As part of his demand for transparency, Ablakwa hinted at releasing more evidence if any attempts are made to falsify official records. He emphasized the need for due process and accountability, describing the situation as a “Presidential State Capture.”
The Lands Commission and the Presidency are yet to issue a response to the allegations.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
