President John Dramani Mahama has issued a firm directive to reverse all allocations and sales of land belonging to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that were made under the previous administration. This decision aims to safeguard state-owned properties and prevent the unauthorized transfer of public assets into private hands.
The Ministry’s land, located in the high-value Airport Residential Area of Accra, had reportedly been claimed by seven organizations and individuals. However, with this new directive, those allocations will now be revoked, ensuring that the property remains under the Ministry’s control.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa shared the announcement on his official Facebook page, expressing deep gratitude to President Mahama for his unwavering commitment to protecting public assets. According to him, this decision reflects the government’s determination to prevent the erosion of state resources and resist any form of state capture.
Ablakwa stated, “President Mahama has directed that all allocations and sales of land belonging to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the previous government be immediately reversed. The presidential directive ensures that the Ministry’s adjoining land at Airport Residential, which some organizations and individuals had laid claim to, will now be reclaimed and preserved for the people of Ghana.”
He further assured the public that under his leadership, no land or property belonging to the Ministry, whether in Ghana or abroad, would be sold or misappropriated. “I am immensely grateful to President Mahama for his decisive and patriotic intervention. As long as I remain Foreign Minister, I will not permit the sale of any Ministry property. No more State Capture! For God and Country. Ghana First.”
This directive comes at a crucial time when concerns over the sale and allocation of public lands have been growing. In recent years, prime state-owned lands have often been transferred to private individuals and organizations, raising questions about transparency and accountability in public asset management. The decision to reverse these land deals is seen as a strong statement against such practices and a commitment to ensuring that government properties serve their intended purposes.
Land in the Airport Residential Area is among the most valuable in Accra, making it a prime target for private development. The reported sale of the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s land sparked public concern, as many believed that such transactions undermined national interests. President Mahama’s intervention is now being viewed as a step towards restoring public confidence and ensuring that state properties are not arbitrarily disposed of.
Beyond protecting the Ministry’s assets, this decision also sends a broader message about the government’s stance on public land management. In recent years, Ghana has witnessed multiple controversies surrounding the sale of government-owned lands to private developers, often under unclear circumstances. These transactions have sometimes led to the displacement of public institutions, disruptions in government operations, and even legal disputes.
By taking a firm stance on this issue, President Mahama’s administration is reinforcing the principle that public assets must remain in public hands unless due process is followed in their disposal. This approach aligns with the broader commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability.
While the move has been widely applauded, it is also expected to face challenges. Some of the organizations and individuals affected by the reversal may seek legal redress, arguing that they acquired the land legally. If legal action is taken, the government may need to defend its decision in court and provide justifications for the directive.
Despite potential legal battles, many Ghanaians see this as a necessary intervention. The unauthorized sale of state lands has long been a concern, and this directive is seen as a turning point in efforts to curb the practice. Analysts argue that ensuring proper documentation and clear policies on public land allocation will be key to preventing similar issues in the future.
For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, retaining control over its land is critical to its operations. Government institutions require adequate space to function effectively, and the loss of strategic properties can impact service delivery. The Ministry’s land at Airport Residential is not just a real estate asset but an essential part of its infrastructure. Preserving it ensures that the Ministry can continue to serve the nation without unnecessary disruptions.
This decision also highlights the importance of oversight in government asset management. Moving forward, stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the media, will likely keep a closer eye on how public lands are handled. The expectation is that this directive will set a precedent for how similar cases are addressed and prevent the indiscriminate sale of government properties.
In conclusion, President Mahama’s directive to reverse the sale and allocation of the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s land marks a decisive effort to protect public assets from unauthorized transfer. The move reinforces the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring that state properties remain in public hands for the benefit of all Ghanaians. As developments unfold, the administration’s ability to uphold this directive will be closely watched, particularly if legal challenges arise. Ultimately, this action sets a strong precedent for responsible public asset management and reinforces the principle that national interests must always come first.
