I never said government engages land guards in state land protection-Agbesinyale

The Chief Director of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Prof. Patrick Agbesinyale, has refuted claims indicating that government engages the services of land guards to assist in reclaiming encroached state lands.

The Tamale North MP, Alhassan Suhuyini, recently alleged that the government has been engaging land guards to protect state lands based on what Prof. Agbesinyale said.

Making reference to his statement, Suhuyini noted that the Chief Director of the Ministry of Lands and Natural disclosed that information at a Parliamentary Select Committee meeting on Monday, July 10, 2023.

However, appearing before the Public Account Committee (PAC) on Wednesday, July 19, Prof. Agbesinyale elaborated on his statement to the committee and refuted the claim by the Tamale North MP.

“I think I take exception to that reportage”.

“I think land guard unfortunately is a terminology that all of us don’t want to be associated with. At least we know what land guards are, they are illegal entities that operate and engage in all forms of criminal activities, I can’t imagine saying government uses land guards,” he explained.

The Chief Director added: “We cannot attribute land guards to our respectable security agencies, it’s unfair and I personally take a very strong exception to that, because I never mentioned land guard in my submission to the committee, I never,” he concluded.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources after the fake reportage refuted the claims that it engages the services of land guards to protect state lands.