GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has called on President Mohamed Irfaan Ali to explain the financing and ownership of a large agricultural property along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, prompting a response from the head of state, who acknowledged ownership of the facility and rejected allegations of wrongdoing.
In a 24-minute video released on Monday, Mohamed presented drone footage and photographs of what he described as a 150-acre ranch and farm, alleging that questions remain about how the property was acquired and developed.
The opposition leader claimed that the scale of the project, which includes livestock facilities, farmland, lodges and other structures, would have required substantial investment and argued that the president should provide a full account of the source of financing for the development.
Responding to the allegations, Ali said the property was acquired before he assumed office and maintained that the purchase and development of the farm can be independently verified through banking and other official records.
Ali said he has made the required declarations to the Integrity Commission and that the acquisition of his assets, as well as the source of funds used to obtain them, are supported by relevant financial and regulatory documentation.
The president also suggested that he may be the target of efforts to pressure him, claiming that he had received repeated text messages in recent weeks from the father of the opposition leader seeking reconciliation between the president and the Mohamed family.
Ali said his involvement in agriculture predates his presidency and described farming as a longstanding personal interest.
He further stated that the farm has not received any special benefits, preferential treatment or assistance from the government either before or since he assumed office. According to the president, no state funds, public resources or government assets have been used in connection with the investment.
Mohamed, however, maintained that the development raises concerns about corruption and argued that greater transparency is needed regarding the project and its financing.
The allegations and the president’s response have sparked political debate in Guyana, where issues of transparency, asset declarations and public accountability remain subjects of national discussion.
