Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, refuses to budge in the face of calls from the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA) for an immediate and unconditional apology and a retraction of his remarks.

He asserts that he has no intention of offering an apology or retracting any of his statements regarding the real estate industry.

During a broadcast on 'Joy NewsFile Joy FM and Joy TV' on Saturday, July 22, 2023, the MP reportedly referred to the real estate business in Ghana as an enterprise involved in 'money laundering'.

In response to GREDA's reaction, the Ningo-Prampram MP expressed his disappointment and accused the association of adopting an ostrich-like approach by denying the existence of money laundering in Ghana's real estate sector.

“Let me start by stating that I have absolutely no intention to render an apology, qualified or not, nor make any retraction. As a public office holder, I am minded first by my fidelity to the truth, my conscience and the general well-being of the Ghanaian people. These considerations in my opinion supersede the whims of any individual or specific grouping.

“It is shocking that an association like GREDA would seek to play the ostrich and display publicly the malaise that bedevils our beautiful Nation – hypocrisy! How GREDA can boldly seek to make them that they are unaware of the fact that money laundering is happening in the real estate sector of our country is shocking and disappointing. The phenomenon is not peculiar to Ghana alone and is serious jurisdictions, legitimate industry players work with State authorities to rid their sector of these criminals. Unfortunately, here in Ghana, we are seeing GREDA seek to silence any voice that points out this criminality,” part of the MP’s statement read.

Sam George claims that his comments were not intended to single out all GREDA members but rather to address the issue of money laundering in the industry.

He mentioned messages of encouragement from reputable real estate developers who applauded him for speaking out on a matter that threatens the credibility of the industry.

“Let me state for the records that I have received messages from hardworking and credible real estate developers who are engaged in honest enterprise commending me for speaking out on an issue that threatens the viability of the sector.The attempt by the Executive Council to paint a picture that all GREDA members are saints and above reproach is one that would leave any discerning minds in stitches,” he continued.

The MP went on to say that many Ghanaians share his views on the real estate and that GREDA should use all legal means at their disposal to address those views rather than turning their legal efforts against him.

Sam George also gave the association assurances that his office is open to working with them to combat dishonest players in the industry who take part in unlawful activity.

“I am fortified that my position is one that the majority of Ghanaians agree with and believe in. I encourage GREDA to exercise any legal options available to your good selves as you have indicated in your statement. It may open a vista for a wider investigation into a sector that we may not have looked at closely.

"My office remains available to work with GREDA whenever it is prepared to deal with unscrupulous elements who use the sector to perpetrate illegalities,” the MP stated.