Ghanaians expressed mixed reaction on the internet when documents releasing several acreages of the revered Achimota Forest to its original owners, the Owoo family leaked.
Both social and traditional media were inundated with rage from the general public, accusing government of selling the forest, an accusation government denied.
A will, purportedly left behind by the former Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as Sir John, is causing a lot of consternation on social media.
A will is a legal document and should not under normal circumstances ruffle feathers, but what appears to have rankled social media patrons is the part where he allegedly gave out lands at the protected Achimota Forest to his family members.
Reading through the 12-paged document, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie stated on page 4 that, “I give my land situate at the Achimota Forest in the name of Jakaypro Limited and measuring 5.541 acres to the following persons forever.
Yaw Amoateng Afriyie One (1) acre
Eva Akua Afriyie One (1) acre
Ivy Akua Afriyie One (1) acre
Elizabeth Asare Boateng (aka Mother) One (1) acre
Michael Owusu 1.541 acres
On page 5 of the will, it is stated: “I give my land also situated at the Achimota Forest in the name of Fasoh Limited and measuring 0.987acres to my nephews Michael Owusu, Yaw Boadu and Kwabena Amoateng forever.”
On the same page, the will states: “I jointly own a piece of land at Achimota Forest with Charles Owusu. Upon my demise, my portion of the said land should be given to Ruth KorkorOdonkor.”
That’s not all. On the same page 5 and still on the Achimota Forest, the will states: “I give my portion of land jointly owned at the Achimota Forest in the name of DML Limited to Elizabeth Asare Boateng, who at the time of making this will is domiciled in the USA forever.”
This development appears to have confirmed the suspicions of social media patrons, who have since descended on the political class for milking the nation they have pledged to serve.
Ministry to probe
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has said it would investigate allegations surrounding the Achimota Forest and the purported will of the late Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, who prideshimself as WonooDehyie, to wit, royal of Wonoo, his hometown, SakoraWonoo.
The statement issued by the Public Relations Unit yesterday said it takes serious view of the allegations and has requested for all documents relating to the lands in question, as part of an initial inquiry to ascertain the veracity of the claims.
“Considering that the issues that form the basis of the allegations predate the tenure of the current Minister, Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, it is important that he is seized with the full facts to enable him take appropriate action, if, indeed, there is any merit in the claims.
“The Ministry assures the general public and the good people of Ghana that it will ensure that the national interest is protected at all times, especially in matters pertaining to the Achimota Forest,” the release ended.
