Organised Labour has opposed the decsion the by Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to sell 60 percent shares in four hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Agriculture.
It has asked the government to suspend the process, warning of a potential nationwide strike by workers.
At a press conference in Accra on Monday, May, 20, 2024, the Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress, Dr Yaw Baah, said “The process is going on and in fact they are even speeding it up and we don’t think that is right.
“We do not think that the regulation that guides the sale of state assets was followed. We do not think that the necessary due diligence was done. we cannot imagine that state properties will be sold to a minister of state.”
“For us, it is state capture and that should be stopped and stopped immediately. And if the Minister for Pensions who is also the Minister for Employment and Labour Relations fails to stop SSNIT, we workers of Ghana, we own the funds, we will stop that process.”
We’re prepared to cooperate with CHRAJ – SSNIT
Meanwhile, SSNIT says it remains prepared to cooperate with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) following a petition filed by North Tongue MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for an investigation into the sale of six SSNIT-owned hotels.
The MP is seeking an investigation into the sale of six SSNIT-owned hotels to Rock City Hotels, owned by Bryan Acheampong.
Mr. Ablakwa had disclosed that he had in his possession documents that prove that SSNIT has taken a decision to sell a majority stake in six of its hotels to the Minister for Food and Agriculture.
He is also asking CHRAJ to stop the sale of the hotels to the Abetifi MP.
In his petition to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the MP alleges that the sale of SSNIT’s shares in the hotels lacks due process and violates procurement procedures.
SSNIT, in a statement, said the decision to sell part of its shares formed part of a move to find a strategic investor with the primary objective of increasing efficiency, profitability, shareholder value, and the long-term sustainability of the SSNIT Pension Scheme.
It explained that the process was done in accordance with International Competitive Tendering (ICT) processes as prescribed by the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (ACT 663), as amended by ACT 914, for the selection of a strategic investor.
It also noted that the hotels in question were four and not six, stressing that the process involved in selling the shares has not concluded.
SSNIT indicated that out of the several firms that expressed interest in buying the announced and published shares, the Rock City Hotel submitted the best and strongest technical and financial proposal amongst those received.
“Consequently, it is in negotiation with SSNIT to buy a 60% stake in each of the four (4) hotels (Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel and Elmina Beach Resort),” it added.
“Bids for Busua Beach Resort and the Trust Lodge were considered to be unsuccessful so they are no longer part of the hotels covered in this process.”
It expressed it’s preparedness to cooperate with CHRAJ in its investigation while assuring it’s stakeholders and pensioners that it remains committed to managing the affairs of the Trust.
“Given the impending investigation by CHRAJ, Management of SSNIT will not comment further. SSNIT will cooperate fully with CHRAJ throughout its investigation process.
SSNIT further wishes to assure pensioners, contributors and the public of its commitment to managing the affairs of the Trust prudently for the sustainability of the Pension Scheme.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
