Yaw Buaben Asamoa, the spokesperson for independent presidential aspirant Alan Kyerematen, has called for the resignation or removal of Samuel Abu Jinapor, Ghana’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, accusing him of failing to protect state lands and address illegal small-scale mining, known as galamsey.
Asamoa, speaking on Key Points on TV3 on September 14, criticized Jinapor for his alleged ineffectiveness in managing land grabs and galamsey activities.
“The Minister of Lands has failed in addressing land grabs in Accra and combating galamsey. The least we deserve is accountability, and the least we deserve is for the minister to resign,” he said.
He emphasized the need for accountability and suggested that the President must take action if heads are not to roll, implying potential complicity if the issue remains unresolved.
Asamoa’s comments follow similar concerns raised by North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who has highlighted ongoing issues of state capture and land mismanagement.
Ablakwa has criticized the administration for allowing politically exposed individuals to acquire public lands at what he described as “ridiculous” prices, asserting that state capture under the current government is a serious and real issue.
“Let nobody think state capture is an exaggeration; it is real, and many people are recounting their ordeals,” Ablakwa stated on the same TV program.
He further argued that citizens should have the right to transparent management of state resources and the ability to enjoy their properties without undue interference.
Ablakwa also criticized a recent statement from the Office of the President concerning a land dispute involving the Ghana International School (GIS).
He contended that the statement was prejudicial and questioned the investigation integrity of the investigation, which was prompted by the President’s complaint to the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The Presidency has denied involvement in the GIS land issue, asserting that Chief Superintendent Ibrahim Opoku of the VVIP Unit acted according to standard procedures by reporting an altercation to the Cantonments Police Station.
The Office of the President has called for the public to disregard any false claims and emphasized that it has filed a formal complaint with the IGP for a thorough investigation.
