The LOTTE and Nsuomnam properties are rented from owners, the Siriboe Family, not “State Capture”

A document launched and widely circulated by Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), the ad hoc committee set up by President John Dramani Mahama to retrieve state assets, including funds and lands alleged to have been stolen from the state under the previous administration, listed several transactions and properties that are under investigation.

Two of such properties the new government has described as evidence of “state capture”, allegedly acquired by two close family members of former President Nana Akufo-Addo, are the two properties, close to each other, hosting the famous seafood joint, Nsuomnam Restaurant, and the luxury couture store, The Lotte, both on 33 Rangoon Switchback Road, Cantonments, Accra.

However, a search at the Lands Commission confirmed that the two properties form part of Justice Johnson Siriboe’s estate. Justice Siriboe, who lived on the land with his family, died in a tragic road accident near Osino on 16 July 2001, aged 85. The family also founded and owns the Morning Star School in the area.

For decades, the Siriboes have owned at least three adjoining properties in that stretch alone, forming 33 Rangoon Switch Back Road. 33B, occupied by Nana Yaa Siriboe, a daughter of the late judge, separates The LOTTE (33C) and Nsuomnam (33A).

There are two separate tenancy agreements covering the two separate businesses. One with Nsuomnam Company, which sits on 33A Rangoon Switch Back Road and the other with The Lotte, on 33C Rangoon Switch Back Road. Both tenancy agreements, signed the same day, 1 April 2021, are for 6 years with the option to renew for a further term of years. Nsuomnam occupies the building previously named Marine House. The LOTTE building was for years previously occupied by UNAids.

Kwame Adarkwa Yiadom Siriboe and Otuo Agyeman Siriboe represent the administrators of Justice Johnson Siriboe’s estate for both tenancy agreements. The two tenancy agreements available to Asaase News show that the claims made in the media by the Chairman of ORAL, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP, are completely false.

Nsuomnam is owned by Mrs Edwina Akufo-Addo Jumah, the daughter of former President Akufo-Addo, and The LOTTE is run by Edwina’s cousin, Mrs Adeline Akufo-Addo Kufuor. A chapter in the ORAL document, subtitled “Akufo-Addo Daughter’s Nsuomnam Land Grab” reads:

“The scandal involves conflicting search certificates highlighting issues of transparency and accountability within the Lands Commission regarding the acquisition of land for Nsuomnam, a restaurant owned by President Akufo-Addo’s daughter, Edwina Akufo-Addo. This prime land, valued in the millions of US dollars, was reportedly purchased for a paltry sum. The certificates do not clarify how the land was initially acquired, raising suspicions of potential state capture.”

However, a simple search at the Lands Commission shows the land belongs to the Estate of Justice Johnson Siriboe.

The other chapter of the ORAL document, “Akufo-Addo Niece’s LOTTE Land Grab,” also falsely claims, “This scandal also involves issues of transparency and accountability within the Lands Commission regarding the acquisition of land for The Lote, a fashion Boutique owned by President Akufo-Addo’s niece, Adeline Akufo-Addo—Kufuour.

“The prime land, also located in Cantonments, is valued in the millions of US dollars but was also reportedly purchased for a sum far below the market price. Once again, the certificates do not clarify how the land was initially acquired, raising further suspicions of potential state capture by the Akufo-Addo family.”

Once again, a mere search at the Lands Commission confirms that the plot is part of Justice Johnson Siriboe’s estate.