The Director General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Maafo, has denied that the strategic decision to sell a 60% stake in its hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by Dr. Bryan Acheampong, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, violated procurement laws.
His response comes in the wake of several claims that the decision to partner with an investor to raise capital to invest in their hotels and also assist in their management was not transparent.
He maintained that the process started as far back as 2018 through International Competitive Tendering (ICT) processes as prescribed by the Public Procurement Act.
He reiterated that based on the criteria set out in the RFP, Rock City Hotel submitted the best and strongest technical and financial proposal amongst those received.
He also denied some claims in the media that the hotels had already been sold to the minister.
“The process was open, it was fair, and it was an international competitive tender. We could not have determined the outcome beforehand. So I am not exactly sure why you expect the company that won to drop out. Currently, what you are talking about is not a consideration,” he said in response to a question if Rock City will could be dropped and the next strategic investor awarded the sale.
He indicated that there was no way SSNIT would drop the highest bidder who qualified technically and financially and consider the next bidder with a lower bid.
He further disclosed that SSNIT if is unable to reach an agreement with Rock City; it will go back to the board and assess the way forward.
Rock City 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), he stressed.
“We haven’t sold the hotels. I dare emphasise. We are in the process of negotiating. There is no predetermined outcome. Once we engage stakeholders, and we also engage our board, and the bid is seen as sufficient, we will proceed. If it is not, we won’t proceed.”
Regarding claims of corruption, nepotism, and conflict of interest, he stated that they are unfounded and should be ignored.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
