The Government has appointed a retired Justice of the High Court and a one-time Chairman of the Ashanti Regional Lands Commission, Justice Retired Kwasi Anto Ofori-Atta as the sole inquirer to probe further into the Bulgarian Embassay Land Case.
According to Government, the findings will help Ghanaians know the true owner of the land.
The call comes after the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu-Bio together with the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Kweku Ampratwum-Sarpong on Thursday stormed Bulgarian Embassy and ordered the contractors on-site to stop working.
The Sector Minister said "The terms of reference for the Sole Inquirer include; undertaking a full and impartial inquiry into the alleged encroachment and/or demolishing of property on the land being used as the Bulgarian Embassy, making appropriate recommendations relating to the land being used as the Bulgarian Embassy and inquiring into the nature of interest in any land held or occupied by Diplomatic Missions in Ghana"
"Inquire into any matter relating to land in which Diplomatic Missions in Ghana have any interest whatsoever. Make recommendations to Government"
The Minister gave the Sole Inquirer seven days ultimatum to present a report on his terms of reference and a period of one month to present a full report on terms of reference.
Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor declared that Government is committed to maintaining the cordial relations it keeps with all diplomatic Missions and will by no means allow this issue to mar the long-standing relationship that exists between Ghana and Bulgaria.
He noted that with the expertise and experience of the Sole Inquirer, he is absolutely confident that the Sole Inquirer will provide the Ministry with the full facts and directions to enable him to act on them decisively and comprehensively.
The Sole Inquirer, Justice Retired Kwasi Anto Ofori-Atta, a retired Justice of the High Court and a one time Chairman of the Ashanti Regional Lands Commission said "I am grateful to Government and the Minister for the confidence reposed in me"
He assured the Minister that he will do all in his capacity as the Inquirer 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."
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Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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