In Ghana, the term “state capture” has been used in political discourse to describe situations where private interests significantly influence the state’s decision-making processes, often to the detriment of the public good.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for the North Tongu constituency, has been vocal on various governance issues, including state capture in recent times. He has frequently raised concerns about state capture in Ghana, particularly under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
He has also accused the government of allowing certain business interests to apply unnecessary influence over state institutions, leading to policies and decisions that favor a few at the expense of the broader population. Mr. Ablakwa’s recent comments on state capture are part of a broader narrative in Ghanaian politics where concerns about corruption, cronyism, and the erosion of democratic institutions are frequently discussed.
Writing on X (formerly Twitter) on September 1, 2024, Mr. Ablakwa claimed that the building that houses the Asaase Broadcasting Company was unlawfully sold to the media house, as it belongs to the Judicial Service.
“The Asaase Radio building in issue is: Number 7, 5th Circular Road, located in Cantonments. According to court documents, the Judicial Service of Ghana insists that the sale of Number 7, 5th Circular Road in Cantonments which was last occupied by Justice F. G. Korbie is unconstitutional and unlawful.”
Although the Minister of Lands and Natural Resource, Mr. Samuel Abu Jinapor has denied such notions from the public especially the opposition NDC about the sale of state lands to members of government with unconstitutional processes and relatively low costs, the MP says that is not the case at hand. He also debunked claims by Lands Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor that President Mahama sold all the bungalows the Judicial Service is now fighting in court as false.
Mr. Ablakwa, is however hopeful more Ghanaians across different political backgrounds are openly expressing support for the Private Member’s Bill seeking to prohibit politicians, government officials, public officials, and other politically exposed persons from purchasing state assets.
The State Asset Bill, which aims to prevent the misuse and acquisition of state assets by public officials, has not yet been fully implemented in Ghana. Despite efforts by some MPs, including Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and pressure from civil society groups like OccupyGhana, the bill has faced delays and resistance within the government.
Although there have been promises to expedite its passage, especially under international pressure from bodies like the IMF, significant progress has yet to be made.
