The Lands Commission has no reason to contradict the Supreme Court in its ruling that New Patriotic Party Chairman, Jake Obetsebi Lamptey did not use corrupt means to acquire the controversial St Mungo Street, Ridge, Accra. Chairman of the Commission, Nana Adjei Ampofo told Joy News' Sammy Darko that per the ruling by the Supreme Court, Jake Obetsebi Lamptey has rights to the property. "If the Supreme Court says it belongs to Jake, how can I say it does not," he queried. He was quick to add however, that government still has the power by law to take back any land it so wishes and pay commensurate compensation. Nana Adjei Ampofo was commenting on the controversy over the acquisition of the State bungalow by former Tourism Minister and New Patriotic Party chairman, Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, a bungalow he occupied as a minister in the Kufuor administration. Two officials of the then opposition National Democratic Congress who are now deputy ministers at the Information and Sports ministries - Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Dr Edward Omane Boamah respectively - dragged Jake Obetsebi Lamptey to court over his acquisition of the property. They accused him of corruption, conflict of interest and cronyism and prayed the Supreme Court to terminate his attempts to acquire the property. The Court however in a 6-3 majority verdict ruled in favour of the respondent, deciding that the plaintiff failed to adduce evidence to buttress the charges of corruption, conflict of interest and cronyism. A day after the Supreme Court gave its verdict; Cabinet decided, per a statement issued by the Information Ministry, not to sell the property and also issued a barred political office holders from future acquisitions of such state property. Government’s position on the matter has provoked mixed reactions from the general public. Wading into the controversy, the Chairman of the Lands Commission, Nana Adjei Ampofo said the Commission is mandated by law to manage lands belonging to the state. He however denied selling the controversial state bungalow located at Ridge in Accra to Jake Obetsebi Lamptey. He said the Commission leased the land to the NPP chair for a period of 50 years. “Nobody has sold any land to Jake. Rather a lease in respect of land for 50 years has been made to him,” chairman of the Lands Commission, Nana Adjei Ampofo told Joy News’ Jefferson Sackey, adding “A sale is not the same as a lease.” Asked if Jake Obetsebi Lamptey followed due process in acquiring the property, even if for 50 years, the Lands Commission chair said if the Supreme Court said he followed due process, he has no reason to disbelieve that.