Nitiwul Demands ORAL Probe into Alleged State Land Sales
Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has pledged to submit a list of state lands sold between 2010 and 2016 to the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) team once the body is legally constituted. His call specifically targets lands in Borteyman, Aviation, Adenta, and Tamale, which he claims were distributed during the NDC administration.
During a debate in Parliament on February 4, Nitiwul urged ORAL, led by Foreign Affairs Minister-designate Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to investigate the beneficiaries of these transactions. He challenged the team to uncover the owners of military cemetery-adjacent lands and those near Tamale’s presidential residency.
However, his submission was interrupted by Appointments Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor, who warned against publicly airing sensitive political issues and insisted that some discussions should be held behind closed doors.
Ablakwa’s Airport Hills Residence Sparks Debate
Nitiwul also questioned Ablakwa on the source of funds used to rent his Airport Hills residence, an issue that became controversial during his vetting. The Minority Caucus, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, abstained from approving Ablakwa, citing his failure to submit key financial documents requested by the committee.
Afenyo-Markin argued that Ablakwa has consistently demanded transparency from public officials and should be held to the same standard. He stated, “He who comes to equity must come with equity.”
Despite Minority opposition, the NDC Majority in Parliament eventually approved Ablakwa’s nomination. Ablakwa is known for exposing alleged corruption and state capture, including presidential travel expenses, SSNIT hotel sales, and questionable National Cathedral transactions.
Nitiwul’s call for an ORAL probe and the debate over Ablakwa’s personal finances signal deepening tensions in Ghana’s political landscape, with both sides demanding greater accountability and transparency.
Source: 3news