In a statement issued on Thursday, July 18, the Ghanaian Land Ministry has refuted claims made by Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament forNorth Tongu, that the government is required to pay ¢5.3 million in compensation to the Bulgarian Embassy.
The ministry stated that the claim is entirely unfounded and misleading and should be treated with the contempt it deserves.
According to the Ministry, there is no legal or administrative basis for the compensation amount cited by Hon. Ablakwa. The ministry emphasized that the government’s obligations regarding the Bulgarian Embassy’s land are clearly defined in existing agreements and contracts.
“The attention of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has, again, been drawn to allegations by the North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to the effect that government is supposed to pay the Bulgarian Embassy an amount of GH¢5,383,000 for demolishing their building.”
“A cursory reading of the Executive Summary of the Report of the Sole Inquirer appointed to investigate the matter, which was published in a Press Release issued on 16th May 2022, and the documents attached to the MP’s post, will show that this allegation is false, and without basis,” an excerpt of the statement said.
Hon. Ablakwa had earlier alleged that the government was to compensate the Bulgarian government with an amount of GH₵5,383,000 for the demolition of its embassy in 2017.
According to the Legislature , the amount was determined last year by the Land Valuation Division of the Lands Commission.
However, he noted that this amount is likely to increase significantly due to the depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi.
But the Ministry in its statement, said per the recommendations of Mr. Justice Kwasi Anto Ofori-Atta, who was the Sole Inquirer, the amount being quoted by Hon. Ablakwa is to be paid by Jojo Hagan, who ordered the demolition.
The Land Ministry has urged the public to rely on authoritative sources and official communications when discussing matters related to government obligations and compensation.
The Ministry further outlined the processes and protocols involved in addressing diplomatic issues, underscoring that any grievances or claims by foreign embassies are handled through appropriate legal and diplomatic channels.
The Ministry reassured the public and diplomatic community that Ghana adheres to international standards in its dealings with foreign missions and embassies.
Below is the full statement.
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com
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