Solomon Owusu, the Director of Communications for the United Party, has revealed a private conversation he had with the late Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
He recounted a story the former how the former Tamale Central MP told him about how some persons attempted to bribe him upon assuming office as minister.
Speaking on 3FM, Solomon Owusu stated, “In fact, it was on that day that he exposed to me that when he assumed the position of a minister at the Environment Ministry, one day a gentleman he was close to, an NDC member, came to him with a sack of money — $500,000 — that someone had given to him to be given to him (Murtala)”.
Solomon Owusu added that when Dr Murtala asked why the person was giving him the money, he was told the person was a businessman who does business with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
He added, “Apparently, that person had bought most of the lands of CSIR, and this money was to make him shut up, but he said no. He was content with whatever he had, and that the guy must go back and give the money back to the one who sent him”.
“The next day, the guy brought the man, who is a young man. He (Murtala) told the businessman to know that he had not taken his money,” he said.
Solomon Owusu further added that Dr Murtala contracted the Public Works Department (PwC) to audit all land sales at the CSIR for those which were illegally sold to be retrieved.
Meanwhile, in related land news, President John Dramani Mahama has announced he has ordered the Land Ministry to conduct a comprehensive audit of state lands leased or sold between 2017 and 2024.
According to Mahama, the audit will be conducted by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Lands Commission, will cover lands acquired for state purposes.
Speaking at the newly reconstituted National Lands Commission during their inauguration on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, John Mahama stated, “I’ve directed the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Lands Commission to immediately undertake a comprehensive audit of all state lands allocated, leased or sold, particularly between 2017 and 2024”.
“This audit will cover lands acquired for schools, hospitals, and public institutions, forest and ecological zones, and lawfully converted to private use, any transaction tainted by conflict of interest, abuse of power, or political patronage,” he explained.
Mahama warned that any transactions found to have been carried out illegally will be reversed, and the land reclaimed by the state.
President Mahama further dismissed claims that the government is witch-hunting opponents, adding that the process will be conducted fairly and transparently.
John Mahama added, “Where illegality or impropriety is discovered, such transactions will be reversed and the land will be recovered to the government by law. We’re not on a witch hunt. Those who have legally acquired land through proper processes need not fear. This exercise is about fairness and justice”.
President Mahama further revealed that there has been a temporary ban on state land transactions.
“Today, with the inauguration of the new commission and the adoption of robust accountability measures, I am pleased to announce that the ban on land transactions has been lifted”, he said.
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