RE - “Politicians Acquiring State Lands”

My attention has been drawn to comments made by the MP for Manhyia, Matthew Opoku Prempeh”Napo” during his appearance on Citi FM’s Saturday 18th September 2010 Talk Show Programme. Reacting and responding to questions by the presenter on the shameful and scandalous issue of politicians using their offices to acquire state lands illegally, Napo is reported to have said

“When this government came into power one of the largest (tract) of land was given to Togbe Afede X1V, opposite the Beach Road near the Castle-whether it was sold or allocated that place is a government land. He took investors to see President Mills – Why?”

There is no doubt in my mind that this unguarded, unsubstantiated and ill-informed statement was clearly meant to place the good name of Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State and President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs alongside the politicians who have acquired state lands illegally.

The reference to the Chinese Investors paying a courtesy call on the President to inform him about their proposed multi- billion investment plans was in very bad taste. The implication of that link was to place a biased political stance on the whole issue of the visit of the Chinese investors.

If I may ask, what is wrong for any Ghanaian businessman/woman to get the President to discuss and meet foreign businesspersons willing to invest $3bn of their hard- won cash in our country?

For the benefit of all Ghanaians, I wish to state that:

Togbe Afede X1V, has never acquired, being given or allocated any state land. The custodians of the land in question are the Osu State and its people and the land is being acquired with the full express permission of the Osu State.

Second, the land in question will be developed in partnership with the people and Chiefs of Osu, for the benefit of all Ghanaians. The Chinese Company in partnership with Togbe Afede X1V would invest approximately $3billion (new funding) into building the first World Trade Centre (WTC) in sub- Sahara Africa.

The WTC would create 10,000 jobs; 1,000 new housing complex; a luxurious hotel; restaurants; a brand new state of the art shopping plaza, a gymnasium, swimming pools, a Graduate Business School and many more facilities befitting our country.

Third, the World trade Centre would have a tremendous multiplier effect on the general economy of the country in particular our capital city by attracting potential investors. Moreover the WTC would assist in creating long- term, well-paid sustainable jobs for many of our young unemployed people.

With regards to politicians acquiring state lands, I am in no position to judge anyone. Hopefully, come polling day, the good people and electorate of Ghana would use their thumbs to decide and determine whether the role of politicians is to acquire state lands or to manage the affairs of the country.

In concluding, I wish to emphasise that Togbe Afede X1V, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State and President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs is apolitical and it does no credit to Napo to drag his name into this sorry state of affairs.

I wish to assure the people of Ghana that, Togbe Afede X1V is fully committed to engaging with like- minded Ghanaians to help build a prosperous and peaceful country at peace with itself. A country that one is judge not by his background, wealth; place of birth, family connections; school attended; tribal affiliations; political colour nor social standing but one that is based on fairness, justice, equity and compassion

Yours Sincerely

Appiah- Danquah Kufuor

(Co-opted Member- Asogli State Council)