North Tongu Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced that preparations for the upcoming demonstration against the sale of Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) hotels are complete.
The demonstration, dubbed “Hands Off Our Hotels,” is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 18, and is expected to attract a large crowd of protesters.
Ablakwa made the announcement on social media after a meeting with the Ghana Police Service at the office of the Greater Accra Regional Police Commander, DCOP Arhin Kwasi Annor. The meeting was to finalize arrangements for the demonstration and ensure the safety of all participants.
The demonstration aims to protest the sale of SSNIT hotels to Agric Minister Bryan Acheampong’s Rock City Hotel Limited, which Ablakwa alleges is a clear case of conflict of interest and abuse of power.
Ablakwa has petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) against the sale, citing procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft. He is seeking an investigation into the matter and wants CHRAJ to halt the sale of the hotels.
According to Ablakwa, documents in his possession show that negotiations to sell 60% of the shares of six SSNIT hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited are far advanced. 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.
Ablakwa alleges that the sale of the hotels is a clear case of state capture, where government officials are using their positions to enrich themselves. He wants CHRAJ to investigate SSNIT’s conduct and procurement processes, particularly to uncover what led to the numerous violations of due process and unfair treatment.
The MP is also seeking relief from CHRAJ to stop the sale of the hotels, which he believes is a gross abuse of power and a betrayal of the trust reposed in government officials. The demonstration on June 18 is expected to draw attention to the issue and pressure the government to halt the sale of the SSNIT hotels. Ablakwa has called on all Ghanaians to join the demonstration and show their support for the cause.
The “Hands Off Our Hotels” demonstration is seen as a test of the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, and Ablakwa is determined to ensure that the voices of the people are heard.
