The Minority in Parliament has described as preposterous, a statement issued by the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry on the demolition of the Bulgarian Embassy.

The Minority Caucus insists it is an attempt by the government to shield state officials behind the act, a development that has brought the country’s international reputation into tatters.

“The Lands and Natural Resources Minister’s statement on the infamous Bulgarian Embassy demolition, regrettably, has all the qualities of a farcical cover-up and whitewash which confirms the suspicion we have always had based on government’s opaque conduct in this sordid affair of monumental international embarrassment.”

“Apart from confirming that the Bulgarian Embassy was illegally demolished under their watch, the government’s statement is a preposterous attempt to shield state officials who have done great damage to our country’s image in the comity of nations.”

A statement issued by the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday asked the Lands Ministry to publish the full report if it has nothing to hide.

According to Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the next National Democratic Congress (NDC) government will launch a full-scale investigation into the matter.

“Why is the government refusing to publish the full report of the Sole Inquirer? What are they hiding?

“We also wish to serve strong and unambiguous notice that these cover-ups and pathetic whitewash will not prevent a future NDC government from launching a full-scale, no-holds-barred probe and a strict regime of punishing all complicit officials in the entire value chain within a more credible, patriotic and internationally acceptable best practice effort to restore Ghana’s once enviable reputation within the diplomatic community.”

The Sole Inquirer who investigated the dispute presented its report on Tuesday, April 26.

Following that, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources said after studying the 149-paged report of the Sole Inquirer, it accepts the findings and recommendations in full.

In a press statement issued on May 16, and signed by the Sector Minister, Samuel Jinapor, he said, “As with all other matters, the government will continue to act transparently, in good faith, and with the utmost integrity in this matter.

“The findings and recommendations of the Sole Inquirer in respect of all other matters relating to landed properties in which diplomatic missions have interests will be made known when presented.”

It, however, failed to make public the findings and recommendations of the Sole Inquirer.

The Minority has taken issue with this and wants the government to be transparent in its handling of the matter.