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Lands Ministry Investigating Achimota Forest Land Captured In Sir John’s Will
The Lands Ministry says it is investigating claims that former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Forestry Commission, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie aka Sir John, gifted part of the Achimota Forest lands to his relatives.
“The Ministry takes a serious view of the allegations and has requested for all documents relating to the lands in question as part of an initial inquiry to ascertain the veracity of the claims,” it said in a statement.
A photograph of a portion of Mr Afriyie’s Will went viral on Sunday, May 22.
It revealed that three different lands said to be situated within the Achimota Forest have been distributed to some of the late CEO’s family members.
This sparked public criticism with some people alleging that the reason for government declassifying part of the Forest as a reserve was to make such allocations legal.
But the Lands Ministry has refuted such claims, saying “the issues that form the basis of the allegations predate the tenure of the current Minister, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor.”
“It is important that he is seized with the full facts to enable him to take appropriate actions, if, indeed, there is any merit in the claims.”
“The Ministry assures the general public and the good people of Ghana that it will ensure that the national interest is protected at all times, especially in matters pertaining to the Achimota Forest,” the statement added.