Gov’t appoints Sole Inquirer for Bulgarian Embassy dispute

Government through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has appointed a Sole Inquirer to investigate the circumstances surrounding the ownership of some parcel of land in dispute between the Bulgarian Embassy and a private developer.

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, at the inauguration said the Ministry’s attention was drawn to media reports about the demolishing of the Bulgarian Embassy by some private individuals.

The report, he said, received immediate action as a team, led by his Deputy in charge of Lands and Forestry, Benito Owusu-Bio, was sent to the scene.

According to him, acting on instructions, all activities on the land were halted until further notice, stressing that government had no hand in the said demolition exercise.

Mr Jinapor noted that President Akufo-Addo, who has previously served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, would be the last person to authorise any act that affects diplomatic relations or the country’s obligations under international laws.

In view of this, the Minister said there is the need to commission a full investigation into the circumstances leading to the alleged demolition and the development of the property.

Sole Inquirer

He outlined the terms of reference for the Sole Inquirer as undertaking a full and impartial inquiry into the alleged encroachment and demolishing of property on the land being used as the Bulgarian Embassy.

“The Sole Inquirer would make appropriate recommendations relating to the land being used as the Bulgarian Embassy. He would inquire into the nature of interest in any land held or occupied by Diplomatic Missions in Ghana. He would also inquire into any matter relating to land in which Diplomatic Missions in Ghana have an interest whatsoever and make recommendations to Government,” he stated.

He reiterated that government is committed to maintaining the cordial relations it keeps with all diplomatic missions, and would by no means allow the current issue to mar the long standing relationship that exists between Ghana and Bulgaria.

Mr Jinapor further noted that with the expertise and experience of the Sole Inquirer, he is absolutely confident that the Ministry would be provided with the full facts and directions to act on them decisively and comprehensively.

In response, the Sole Inquirer, Kwasi Anto Ofori-Atta, a retired Justice of the High Court and a one-time Chairman of the Ashanti Regional Lands Commission, expressed gratitude to government and the Ministry for the confidence reposed in him.

Mr Ofori-Atta assured the Minister that he would do all in his capacity to fully investigate the matter as per his terms of reference.

“I wish to assure you and the whole of Ghana to do my very best to put this matter to rest. Thank you for the opportunity,” he said.