The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has said that preliminary inquiries reveal that the alleged will of the late former Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie (Sir John) is a subject matter for litigation in court.
The Ministry said also that its further checks at the Lands and Forestry Commission, the repositories of the records of the land in question show no record of ownership of lands at the Achimota Forest of Sarkumono Ramsar Site, by Sir John.
“Preliminary inquiries reveal that the alleged will in question is a subject matter for litigation / Contestation in court.
“Further checks at the Lands and Forestry Commission , the repositories of the records of the land in question show no record of ownership of lands at at the Achimota Forest of Sarkumono Ramsar Site, by the late Kwadwo Owusus Afriyie,” the Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday May 24.
The Ministry on Monday May 23 indicated that it had taken a serious exception to the documents making rounds on social media and purportedly said to be the will of Sir John.
The documents lists some individual relatives of Mr Owusu Afriyie’s to be allocated some portions of the Achimota Forest, which has become a topical issue the past days as a result of an Executive Instrument signed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to declassify portions.
“I give my portion of land that I jointly own at the Achimota Forest in the name of DML Limited to Elizabeth Asare Boateng who at the time of making this will is domiciled in the USA forever,” point g. of the will of the late public official, popularly known as Sir John, stated as captured on social media.
“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,” a statement issued on Sunday, May 22 by the Ministry said.
“Considering that the issues that form the basis of the allegations predate the tenure of the current Minister, Hon. 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 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.”
By Laud Nartey|3news.com|Ghana