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The Lands Commission has denied media reports alleging the sale of the Rt—Hon. Speaker of Parliament’s official residence in Cantonments to a private developer.
The Commission, in a statement, addressed the speculations, clarifying the property’s status and dismissing any notion of a sale.
Benjamin Arthur, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, asserted, “At no point was the said property sold to a private developer by the Lands Commission.”
Records in possession of the Commission reveal that the land was acquired in 1920 for government services and has served as the Speaker of Parliament’s official residence since 2003.
Arthur provided insight into the situation, stating, “Parliamentary Service sought to regularize their occupation of the land by applying for a Certificate of Allocation in November 2022. After completing all statutory processes, including planning approval from the La Dadekotopon Municipal Assembly, the Regional Lands Commission approved the application in December 2022.”
The Commission extended an offer of allocation to the Parliamentary Service on February 14, 2023, which was duly accepted. Subsequently, after the payment of necessary fees, a Certificate of Allocation was issued to the Parliamentary Service on April 28, 2023.
He said, “The Lands Commission is unaware of any purported sale of the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament’s official residence to a private developer. We are dedicated to the prudent and efficient management of public lands in the national interest.”
He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to transparency and integrity in land administration and to promote effective land administration anchored on the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and candour.
