Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has voiced strong concerns regarding managing state resources under the current administration, asserting that state capture is a pressing issue.
During his appearance on TV3’s Key Points on September 14, Ablakwa emphasized the need for transparency, stating, “Let nobody think state capture is an exaggeration; it is real, and many people are recounting their ordeals.”
Ablakwa stressed that Ghanaians have a right to know how state resources are managed and should be able to enjoy their property without fear of harassment.
He condemned the notion that political power should grant individuals the right to seize resources arbitrarily, likening such behaviour to a “banana republic” and asserting that it is unacceptable in a democracy.
His comments came in response to a recent statement from the Office of the President denying allegations of involvement in a land dispute with the Ghana International School (GIS).
The Office of the President clarified that it has no interest in the GIS land issue and that Chief Superintendent Ibrahim Opoku of the VVIP Unit, who was involved in the dispute, acted in accordance with standard procedures.
The Presidency also announced that it has lodged a formal complaint with the Inspector General of Police to investigate the matter, urging the public to disregard false statements.
Ablakwa, however, dismissed the President’s statement as disingenuous. He criticized the response as being in “bad faith” and “prejudicial,” suggesting that the statement unfairly presented the VVIP Unit’s perspective without fully addressing the concerns raised.
He further argued that prime lands in critical locations, such as Cantonments and Labone, have been the subject of undue scrutiny and disputes.
The MP’s call for transparency and criticism of the Presidential response underscores ongoing tensions over land management and state resource allocation, reflecting broader concerns about governance and accountability in Ghana.
