Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the North Tongu Member of Parliament, has called for a nationalistic approach to discussions on state capture, urging the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, to focus on the broader national interest rather than partisan politics.
Ablakwa criticized Jinapor’s attempt to link the state capture allegations to previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) administrations. He rejected such claims and emphasized that the NDC should not be associated with the alleged mismanagement of state resources.
He stressed the need for a patriotic perspective, regardless of the political era in which issues of state land loss began.
In response to Jinapor’s denial that lands belonging to the judicial service were sold under the current Akufo-Addo administration, Ablakwa highlighted concerns over the integrity of land transactions.
Jinapor had claimed that the lands in question were sold during the Mahama administration in 2026. He stated that upon reviewing available data, it was clear that these transactions occurred under the previous administration, not under President Akufo-Addo.
Jinapor, addressing the press on August 14, said, “The allegation that judicial service lands were sold under this administration as evidence of state capture is inaccurate.
The lands were sold during President Mahama’s tenure in 2026. If there is evidence of improper or fraudulent transactions, we will take steps to address them, though cancelling a lease or contract governed by law is complex.”
Reacting to Jinapor’s statements on TV3’s Key Points on August 17, Ablakwa accused the Minister of dishonesty and of attempting to shift blame to past administrations.
He argued that even if land loss began decades ago, it remains a pressing concern that requires a patriotic approach to safeguard the nation’s future.
Ablakwa asserted, “Regardless of when the issue started, whether under Rawlings or Kufuor, we must address these concerns with a focus on the country’s future. We strongly disagree with the attempt to equate and align the NDC with the practices of state capture.”
The debate underscores ongoing tensions regarding accountability and transparency in land management, with calls for a unified, nationalistic response.
