By Christopher Arko
Accra, Sept.4 GNA – The Minority Caucus in Parliament, is demanding a statement from President Akufo-Addo on the state of the country’s environment immediately, saying it is critical to our survival as a nation.
According to the minority the government over the years had not shown any transparency in its handling of state resources and protection of the environment.
Alhaji Alhassan Suhiyini, a Member of the Lands and Natural Resources Committee of parliament was speaking at a press conference to set straight some records, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) misrepresented during his last press briefing at the Ministry of Information on 14th August 2024.
He said Mr Jinapor in the last couple of months had at every opportunity addressed the media on a number of issues involving the inaction or complicity of the ministry or its agencies.
He said the minister by words and deeds seem to be more interested in using the state power to further the interests of some privileged individuals and select businesses than to safeguard public interests and property.
Alhaji Suhiyini also assured that the next National Democratic Congress (NDC)government will investigate the questionable sales and acquisition of state lands under the Akufo-Addo led administration.
He stated that the NDC shall retrieve all stolen state lands and hold responsible the kingpins in the illegal mining operations in the country’s forest.
“President Mahama has indicated that under his presidency, the NDC will operationalize the ‘Operation Recover All Loot’ aimed at recovering all stolen assets of our dear country” he said.
Alhaji Suhiyini also insisted that the NDC should continue to expose and bring public attention to the capture of state assets by the current regime in order to make it an expensive endeavour for them to carry through their corrupt agenda.
He cited instances like the Bulgarian Embassy land saga, the Parks and Gardens land at Cantonments, the Judicial Service bungalow issue, and the Northern Regional Lands Commission reversal of several leases over public lands granted to private developers.
He mentioned other cases such as the issues of handing over land to pre-acquisition owners, the administration of land and digitization of land records, the pollution of water bodies by illegal mining activities, among others.
Alhaji Suhiyini further called on the President to dismiss the ministers for Science and Environment and Lands and Natural Resources (LNR) to signal their disappointment and the indignation of the people.
He said anything short of that will mean their suspicions that galamsay is a regime sponsored and supported rape of the state is true.
GNA