General News of Wednesday, 3 December 2008

Source: JFM

CJA dares Obestebi lamptey over residence

he Committee for Joint Action says it will resist attempts by former Tourism Minister, Jake Obetsebi Lamptey to buy the state residence he currently occupies at the Independence Avenue in Accra.

According to the CJA, Mr. Lamptey did not follow due process in his attempts to purchase the state property.

Jake Obetsebi Lamptey has allegedly applied to purchase the residence at the Lands and Title Registry, but the CJA maintains the property must first revert to its original owners - people of the Ga state.

Two leading members of the group, Mr. Okudjeto Ablakwa and Mr. Omane Boamah have therefore filed an objection at the Land Title Registry in an attempt to discontinue the sale.

Speaking to JoyFM on Wednesday, Okudjeto insists the group will use all democratic and legal means available to prevent what he says is the “recklessness and show of vulgarity” by Mr. Lamptey in acquiring the property.

“If all state properties were sold off to its occupants, none will be left for Jake and his likes,” he charged.

According to him, members of the group are ready to adduce evidence to prove their case, citing PNDC law 54, parts of which requires government officials to return state lands and properties to their original owners.

When Joy News contacted Jake Obetsebi Lamptey for his response, he declined comment, but maintained he has not received any information from the registry or the CJA.

Jake Obestebi Lamptey has been occupying the independence avenue residence, despite resigning from his ministerial portfolio ten months ago to pursue the New Patriotic Party presidential candidature, which he lost eventually to Nana Akufo-Addo.

Mr. Lamptey in an earlier interview defended his continued stay in the residence despite public criticisms and promised to vacate “if I am done with what I am doing.”