Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has petitioned the government to halt the sale of four hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to the Rock City Hotel, owned by Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Minister of Food and Agriculture.
The MP, who is the convener of the ‘Hands off Our Hotels’ demonstration, which was held today, Tuesday, June 18, 2024, wants the President to immediately stop the transaction between SSNIT and the Rock City Hotel.
He opined that the sale of state properties has historically not served Ghana’s best interests and insists that such transactions should not proceed without the collective consent of Ghanaians.
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.
“…We hereby make the following demands: We call on President Akufo-Addo to immediately stop the sale of our SSNIT hotels. We take the view that state assets should not be sold, especially profitable ones. Historically, since 1966, the sale of state assets has not been in the supreme interest of Ghana, and we, therefore, cannot continue on this destructive trajectory.
“In any case, the government should not sell state properties without the consent of all Ghanaians. It is wrong, immoral, and unethical for ministers and government officials to buy state assets. President Akufo-Addo must not preside over this detestable and dangerous practice.
“Particularly, when he assured this country that his appointees who want to make money through sch transactions should rather stay in the private sector,” he stated.
The petition was received by an official from the presidency on behalf of the government.
Organised Labour and other stakeholders participated in the protest.
Members of Parliament from the Minority Caucus were also present.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
