
Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa raises alarm over sale of profitable SSNIT hotels
Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has taken to social media to announce a significant development concerning the sale of state assets.
In a statement released today, Ablakwa disclosed that he has formally petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the impending sale of six hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to Rock City Hotel Limited, a company owned by Bryan Acheampong, the MP for Abetifi and Minister for Food and Agriculture.
Ablakwa revealed that documents in his possession indicate that SSNIT is on the verge of selling a 60% controlling stake in six of its hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited.
The hotels in question are Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and Trust Lodge Hotel.
The North Tongu MP has raised serious concerns about this transaction, highlighting potential conflicts of interest and breaches of due process.
“I am inviting CHRAJ to investigate grave matters bothering on conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft,” Ablakwa stated.
He also pointed out that Acheampong, who is the sole beneficial owner and a director of Rock City Hotel Limited, has not obtained the necessary permission from the Speaker of Parliament to hold an office of profit, as required by Article 78(3) and 98(2) of the 1992 Constitution.
Ablakwa’s petition is reminiscent of his 2008 legal challenge alongside Dr. Omane Boamah against the late Hon. Jake Obetsebi Lamptey over the attempted purchase of an official bungalow. “It is a matter of principle,” Ablakwa emphasized, asserting that it is “wrong, unethical, and reprehensible for public officials, particularly Ministers of State, to participate in the purchase of state assets.”
Further fueling his opposition, Ablakwa noted the profitability of several of these SSNIT hotels and questioned the rationale behind their sale.
He expressed concern over the potential job losses that might result if the sale to Bryan Acheampong is finalized.
The petition submitted to CHRAJ by Ablakwa calls for a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure transparency and adherence to ethical standards in the handling of state assets. The public awaits CHRAJ’s response and the potential implications this investigation could have on the involved parties.
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