"Sir John Owns No Lands At Achimota Forest And Sakumono Ramsar Site" - Lands Minister

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor has revealed that the late Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Forestry Commission, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie known by many as Sir John owns no lands at the Achimota Forest and Sakumono Ramsar Site.

According to the Minister, the alleged will which mentions ownership of the said properties is a subject matter of litigation/contestation in the courts.

In a communique sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, the Lands Minister said "The late CEO of the Forestry Commission, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as Sir John, owns no lands at the Achimota Forest and the Sakumono Ramsar Site. The alleged will in question is a subject matter of litigation/contestation in the courts.”

The Minister also hinted that following some checks at the Lands and the Forestry, there are no record of ownership of lands at the Achimota Forest or the Sakumono Ramsar Site, by the late Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie.

It added that “That said, given the totality of the circumstances of the said allegations, I, as Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, have directed the Lands and Forestry Commissions to deem any ownership of lands, both, in the Achimota Forest and the Sakumono Ramsar Site by the late Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie as void and are to take the appropriate actions accordingly.”

”For the avoidance of doubt, the bequeathing of the aforesaid lands, if established, will not pass any interest/title to the named beneficiaries in the alleged Will"

Samuel A. Jinapor also added that none of the beneficiaries named by the late Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, will receive either the Achimota Forest and Ramsar site lands as stated by the will. "These lands, the subject matter of the alleged Will, shall remain Public Lands, whether or not it falls within the de-gazetted lands pursuant to E.I 144"

The Sector Minister further stressed that the Akufo-Addo Administration will ensure that all improper means acquiring of public lands will be dealt with.

He hinted that the famous and much-talked-about, Achimota Forest Lands will not be left out. Below is a copy of the statement:

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith