Source: newsthemegh.com
Kofi Abrefa Afena, the press aide for Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has refuted claims made by some Ghanaian media that his employer is embroiled in a land dispute with “a businessman”.
Mr. Afena claims that the Minister, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for the Ashanti Region’s Manhyia South Constituency, has never before asserted his own ownership of the aforementioned piece of land, despite what has been reported in the media.
Additionally, he refuted rumors that the Energy Minister had deployed land guards and members of the National Security apparatus to wreak havoc on some defenseless individuals on the property.
“These are made-up stories,” he declared.
These denials were made by the Press Aide in a statement released on February 16, 2024.
“No documentation in respect of the land in contention bears the name of Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh. Yes, family members of the Minister, per verifiable facts are beneficiaries of the assignee of the land, but these are adults in their own rights with capacities to use legal means to make cases for themselves,” he urged.
The Press Assistant went on to say that even though Dr. Prempeh is not involved in any land disputes, the land in question will legally transfer to the administrators of the late Madam Stella Ababio’s estate, according to information he is aware of and any independent search at the Ghana Lands Commission.
Mr. Afena claims that Madam Ababio has had the land’s assignee status since 1984.
“The administrators to the estate have since paid the necessary considerations and stamp duty according to the lands commission with records covering same duly updated,” he added.
“The record will show that the inspection by the Lands Commission of the land revealed that Madam Stella even has a building on it,” Mr Afena said, adding the “the businessman’s claim and allusion to a “noted proposal” in favour of a certain woman as the basis for the claim of ownership has no legs to stand on”. he stressed.
Mr. Afena disputed this, stating that it is common knowledge that recognized plans do not grant interest to a third party in accordance with fundamental land law.
“These are matters that will, however, be determined by the courts,” he said.
According to Mr. Afena, the aforementioned businessman’s evil intentions and lack of good faith prevent him from being transparent with the Ghanaian people.