Ablakwa Alleges Akufo-Addo Allocated Public Lands to Family Members for Private Businesses

North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has accused President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of allocating state lands in Cantonments, Accra, to his daughter and niece for private ventures.

In a Facebook post dated December 23, 2024, Ablakwa disclosed documents from the Lands Commission, which he claims confirm that Edwina Akufo-Addo and Adeline Akufo-Addo Kufuor occupy prime public lands. According to him, Edwina operates the Nsuomnam Restaurant on one of these lands, while Adeline runs The Lotte, a high-end fashion store, on another.

Ablakwa alleged that these lands, originally part of the Hausa Reserve established in 1894, are public assets and questioned the legality of their current private use. He further pointed to inconsistencies in the Lands Commission’s records. Specifically, he noted that two certificates issued in 2024 for the Nsuomnam property offered contradictory details. While one certificate listed the land as state-owned with no registered developments, the other referenced a private leaseholder.

“These transactions raise serious questions about transparency and accountability,” Ablakwa stated, calling for a thorough investigation into what he described as “questionable” land dealings.

He also urged President Akufo-Addo and the Lands Commission to clarify the situation and supported President-elect John Dramani Mahama’s pledge to combat state capture and review such land allocations.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, however, has dismissed similar claims by Ablakwa in the past, maintaining that public lands in Ghana remain safe and secure. As the debate intensifies, calls for greater transparency in public land administration continue to mount.