- SSNIT sells hotel shares to Rock City Hotel.
- MP petitions CHRAJ to investigate.
- Majority Leader demands transparency.
- SSNIT asked to explain failing investments.
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has announced the sale of 60% of its shares in four hotels – Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, and Labadi Beach Hotel – to Rock City Hotel. Rock City Hotel, owned by Dr. Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, presented the best bid for the purchase of the hotels, according to SSNIT.
However, the deal has raised serious concerns among stakeholders, with many questioning a potential conflict of interest. Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the matter.
Following the development, Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has called on the Minister of Agriculture to release the documents pertaining to the purchase of the hotels. Afenyo-Markin believes it is necessary for SSNIT to provide a detailed explanation to the public, as the assets in question belong to Ghanaians.
The Effutu Member of Parliament urged SSNIT not to be secretive, stating that the issue is not a political matter for politicians to condemn or commend. “Let me make this appeal to SSNIT, SSNIT must come out, make the documents available, and speak to it. I mean, they cannot be dodgy. This is not a political matter. I cannot come and speak to it politically, condemn it, or commend it,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin tasked SSNIT to explain to the public all of its investments that are failing. “SSNIT must come out, and even not only this decision, [it must] look at all their investments that are failing and explain them to the public,” he emphasized.
He believes that if SSNIT provides a clear explanation, the public, including the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and other labour unions, will understand the reasoning behind the decision. “I am sure that TUC and other labour unions will understand if these things are explained, and they will take away Bryan Acheampong as a person and understand that, let’s not look at the form but at the substance,” he said.
The sale of the hotels has raised concerns about the potential conflict of interest, as Dr. Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, is also the owner of Rock City Hotel. This has led to questions about whether the deal was transparent and fair.
Afenyo-Markin’s call for transparency and accountability is seen as a crucial step in addressing these concerns. By releasing the documents and providing a clear explanation, SSNIT can demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability.
The public is eagerly awaiting SSNIT’s response to Afenyo-Markin’s call, as the matter has sparked intense debate and discussion. The outcome of this development will have significant implications for the trust and its investments.
Ultimately, the sale of the hotels and the potential conflict of interest have raised important questions about transparency, accountability, and good governance. It is essential that SSNIT takes the necessary steps to address these concerns and demonstrate its commitment to the public interest.
