The sale of state assets goes beyond a government: it should not be politicized – Minister of Lands

Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Samuel Abu Jinapor has called for a holistic and non-partisan approach in discussions surrounding the sale of state lands and other assets.

He stressed that politicizing the issue would be counterproductive and undermine the essence of the debate.

Mr. Jinapor noted that the sale of state land is a systemic problem spanning multiple administrations.

He called for a productive, substantive and constructive conversation on the protection and management of the country’s public lands.

However, he acknowledged that President Akufo-Addo has taken steps to address the problem, stressing the importance of a collective effort.

During his appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, July 20, Mr. Jinapor, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Damongo, noted that the sale of state lands also occurred under previous governments.

He said that while not all public lands can be used, any lease or sale must be in the best interest of the Ghanaian people.

“We should just point the finger at others, because if we do that we will miss the essence of the debate. We are in a cabinet retreat in Peduase and this matter has been discussed in three previous cabinet meetings, and it took us a long time to exhaust the issue,” he said.

North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has been campaigning against the sale or leasing of some state lands in recent months.

The NDC MP and former Deputy Education Minister, who has for years opposed government officials acquiring state assets, is pushing a bill to stop the practice.

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