A political analyst has urged caution over recent public allegations concerning the alleged improper acquisition of state lands, warning that unverified claims risk undermining accountability processes.
Dr. Jonathan Asante Otchere, a senior lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, said concerns about state land management were serious but must be handled through the proper channels rather than public declarations.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana programme on Sunday, April 13, he said the growing debate had “sparked renewed questions about accountability and transparency in the management of public assets.”
However, he stressed that individuals who believe they have credible evidence should formally report it to the relevant authorities.
“If you have evidence, you can act as a whistleblower or raise the matter in Parliament,” he said. “It should be directed to the appropriate institutions, such as the Lands and Forestry sector, for proper clarification.”
His comments follow a viral video involving Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, in which he raised allegations about public figures allegedly acquiring state lands without following due process.
Dr Otchere cautioned that making public accusations without follow-up could create confusion and distract institutions tasked with investigating such matters.
“Public claims without formal follow-up risk distracting institutions rather than leading to proper investigations,” he added.
At the same time, he said such allegations should not be dismissed outright if they are backed by evidence, noting that they could form the basis of formal whistleblowing processes.
He pointed out that concerns over state land allocation were not new, adding that successive governments had faced scrutiny over transparency, pricing, and disposal of public lands.
He also referenced ongoing land sector reforms aimed at tightening control over state assets and preventing undervaluation or improper disposal of government property.
According to him, the proposed framework would require stricter payment conditions, including significant upfront payments based on market valuation, with remaining amounts treated as structured ground rent.
He further noted that current policy restrictions on the sale of state lands meant any alleged transactions must be examined carefully against existing regulations.
Dr Otchere emphasised that while the allegations were serious, conclusions should not be drawn without verified evidence.
“Authorities should, where necessary, invite individuals making such claims to provide further information to help establish the facts,” he said.
