Presidential staffer Anthony Julius has cautioned that politicians should not use their positions to benefit from state lands at the expense of families whose properties were originally acquired by the state.
Speaking on GHToday with Lily Mohammed on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Julius emphasized that many lands described as state lands were originally generational properties belonging to families, clans, and stools.
“When we say state lands, what do we even mean? These lands would ordinarily be the generational wealth of some families,” he said.
He noted that when the state acquires such lands for public purposes, families are essentially asked to sacrifice their inheritance for the collective good of the country. It is therefore wrong for politicians to later exploit these lands due to their political exposure.
“Myself and my brother, by reason of our involvement in politics, should not be able to take lands which would have been in the possession of a family in La, Teshi, Tamale or Ho,” he stated.
Julius argued that over the years, state lands intended for public use have sometimes ended up in private hands through political influence, citing the Achimota Forest controversy as an example. He questioned how lands meant for public purposes could end up in private wills.
“It is not only a matter of legality. Ethical standards of accountability and probity to the people of Ghana must be upheld,” he added, stressing that no public officer should acquire state lands cheaply simply because of political connections.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh / Abigail Praise Pabai
