The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has announced that it will look into allegations that former Forestry Commission Chief Executive Officer, late Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie (Sir John), owned some portions of the Achimota Forest Reserve.
Over the weekend, a media report suggested that Sir John listed his children and several relatives as the ones to whom the lands should be bequeathed in perpetuity in his Will.
Five people have been mentioned as beneficiaries of the said lands in the Will dated 20 May 2022, a few weeks before Sir John died in July 2020.
The Will has been circulating on social media, drawing a barrage of criticisms.
Many have raised concerns especially as the issue comes barely a week after the government, through an Executive Instrument (E.I 144) declassified portions of the Achimota Forest Reserve.
Calming the concerns and fear expressed by Ghanaians, the ministry said it would inquire about the said Will.
“The Ministry takes a very serious view of the allegations and has requested all documents relating to the lands in question as part of an initial inquiry to ascertain the veracity of the claims. Considering that the issues that form the basis of the allegations predate the tenure of the current Minister, Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, it is important that he is seized with the full facts to enable him to take appropriate action if, indeed, there is any merit in the claims,” a statement from the ministry indicated.
It promised Ghanaians that the state would never sell the Achimota Forest.
“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,” the statement added.