The Tema Development Company (TDC) has terminated the appointment of Mr. Ian Okwei, the Constituency Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Tema Central, over allegations of illegal land dealings and conflict of interest.
According to TDC’s Managing Director, Courage Makafui Nunekpeku, Mr. Okwei was found to have sold a parcel of government land on which a public toilet serving residents of Tema Community Five was situated to his wife at a cost of just GH¢2,000.
Mr. Nunekpeku further alleged that the embattled NPP secretary was part of a syndicate within TDC involved in questionable transactions that dented the company’s reputation. He noted that since initiating an audit into land transactions over the past eight years, he has faced unwarranted media attacks allegedly instigated by individuals who benefitted from such deals.
“Under my administration, TDC has retrieved several lands that were dubiously sold in the past, including parcels at Communities 23 and 25, which were originally allocated for public purposes but were diverted into private hands,” Mr. Nunekpeku stated.
In response, Mr. Ian Okwei has denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated. He insists the land in question was not illegally sold to his wife as being speculated. He said, a legal offer was made with requisite payment constituting acceptance and consideration from the company, and for that he wonders how that could be termed as illegal when he is not a management member to influence such a transaction.
Mr. Okwei added that he has instructed his lawyers to take legal action to protect his reputation and hold his accusers accountable.
By Philip Azu
