Samuel Jinapor
The Ministry of Land and Natural Resources has said it has opened investigation into claims that the late Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie had included some portions of the Achimota Forest in his Will.
Members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been spreading a supposed parts of Sir John’s Will on social media with an indication that some parts of the Achimota Forest had been allocated to some of his family members.
Though the authenticity of the document cannot be ascertained the NDC members kept sharing on various social media platforms.
This compelled the Lands Ministry to take over investigation of the doucment in order to authenticate it since Sir John didn’t become Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission under his tenure.
In a statement, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources said “The attention of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has been drawn to a document making the rounds on social media, which alleges that the late former Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, had included portions of the Achimota Forest in his Will, and given out same to individuals who are said to be related to him”.
“The Ministry takes a very 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. Considering that the issues that form the basis of the allegations predate the tenure of the current Minister, Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, it is important that he is seized with the full facts to enable him take appropriate action, if, indeed, there is any merit in the claims,” the statement added.
It assured the people of Ghana that the state will in no way sell the Achimota Forest.
“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.”
This follows earlier allegations by the NDC members who claimed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has sold the Achimota Forest Reserve land following the approval of allocation of some of the land to Owoo family.
However, the Lands and Natural Resources Minister denied the claim indicating that government has no plans to sell Achimota Forest.
By Vincent Kubi