In a new twist to Ghana’s ongoing political controversies, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and former Chief Justice Georgina Wood have been named in fresh allegations regarding the purchase of state land. The accusations were made by opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who has been vocal about issues of government transparency and corruption.
Ablakwa’s allegations, presented in Parliament on Thursday, claim that Ofori-Atta and Wood were involved in acquiring state land under questionable circumstances. He provided documents he says detail the transactions, suggesting that these purchases were conducted without proper adherence to legal procedures and at significantly reduced prices.
According to Ablakwa, the lands in question are located in prime areas of Accra, the capital city, and were allegedly sold well below market value. “It is unacceptable for individuals in positions of power to engage in practices that deprive the state of its resources,” Ablakwa stated. “We must demand accountability and ensure that public lands are used for the benefit of all Ghanaians, not just a select few.”
The Finance Minister and the former Chief Justice have not yet publicly responded to these allegations. However, sources close to both officials have dismissed the claims as politically motivated and lacking evidence.
These revelations come amid growing scrutiny of land deals in Ghana, where concerns about corruption and lack of transparency in the sale and allocation of public lands have been longstanding. Recent investigations have exposed multiple instances where state lands were allegedly sold at prices far below their market value, often to individuals with close ties to the government.
The Ghana Integrity Initiative, an anti-corruption organization, has called for a thorough investigation into the claims made by Ablakwa. In a statement, the group urged the government to take the allegations seriously and to conduct an impartial inquiry into the matter. “The integrity of our public institutions is at stake,” the statement read. “We must ensure that these allegations are addressed transparently and that those found guilty of misconduct are held accountable.”
Ablakwa’s claims have sparked a debate about the management of state assets and the ethical conduct of public officials. Many Ghanaians are frustrated with what they perceive as a lack of accountability and the continued prevalence of corruption in government.
“It is disheartening to see our leaders accused of such misconduct,” said Nana Asante, a political analyst based in Accra. “The government must act swiftly to address these allegations and restore public confidence. Failure to do so will only deepen the mistrust that many citizens already feel toward their leaders.”
The opposition MP has indicated that he plans to submit a formal request for an independent investigation into the land transactions involving Ofori-Atta and Wood. He is also calling for the establishment of a parliamentary committee to review all recent land deals conducted by the government.
While it remains to be seen how these allegations will unfold, the situation has already heightened tensions between the ruling party and the opposition. Political observers are watching closely to see how the government will respond and whether any concrete action will be taken to address the concerns raised.
In the meantime, public discourse continues to focus on the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of state resources. Many Ghanaians are hopeful that the recent revelations will lead to meaningful reforms that curb corruption and ensure that public assets are used in the best interest of the nation.
As the story develops, the people of Ghana are demanding answers and looking for leadership that prioritizes integrity and the rule of law. There is hope that these allegations will serve as a catalyst for change, pushing the country toward more robust governance and a fairer distribution of its resources.
Source: GhanaWeb
