The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has refuted claims made by North Tongu Member of Parliament (MP) Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa that the government must pay GH¢5.3 million in compensation to the Bulgarian Embassy.

In a statement issued on Thursday, July 18, the ministry clarified that no such financial obligation exists, dismissing the assertions as entirely unfounded and misleading.

Mr. Ablakwa had alleged that the government was to compensate the Bulgarian government with GH¢5,383,000 for the demolition of its embassy in 2017.

He claimed that the Land Valuation Division of the Lands Commission determined this compensation figure last year and noted that the amount is likely to increase due to the depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi.

However, the ministry emphasised that the government's position remains clear and unambiguous: no compensation is owed to the Bulgarian Embassy.

According to the ministry, per the recommendations of the Sole Inquirer, Jojo Hagan, who ordered the demolition, is to pay this amount.

The ministry insisted that this clarification aims to set the record straight and prevent the spread of misinformation. It further outlined the processes and protocols involved in addressing diplomatic issues, underscoring that any grievances or claims by foreign embassies are handled through appropriate legal and diplomatic channels.

The ministry reassured the public and diplomatic community that Ghana adheres to international standards in dealing with foreign missions and embassies. It reiterated its commitment to transparency and accuracy in all matters relating to diplomatic affairs, ensuring that the public remains informed based on facts and not speculation.

"The attention of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has, again, been drawn to allegations by the Hon. Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to the effect that Government is supposed to pay the Bulgarian Embassy an amount of Five Million, Three Hundred and Eighty-Three Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS5,383,000.00) for demolishing their building."

"A cursory reading of the Executive Summary of the Report of the Sole Inquirer appointed to investigate the matter, which was published in a Press Release issued on May 16, 2022, and the documents attached to the Hon. Member's post, will show that this allegation is false, and without basis," an excerpt of the statement said.

Read the ministry's full response below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TjAGf5eDyH2Ghqs6Xm-yNS-98ZryXh4y/view?usp=sharing

GA/SEA