North Tongu Member of Parliament (MP) Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed plans to lead a public protest against the sale of SSNIT hotels.
Since last week, the legislator has led the charge against the sale of Social Security and National Insurance Trust’s (SSNIT) 60% stake in four hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by MP for Abetifi, Bryan Acheampong.
Mr Ablakwa, in his numerous social media posts, cited a lack of due process and a violation of procurement procedures in the said deal.
He has already petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). The protest set for June 18, 2024, is to impress on the commission to speed up the probe into the transaction.
The Ghana Police Service has also been notified of the planned protest.
“Under the Public Order Act. 1994 (Act 491), this serves as formal notice to your outfit that a considerable number of Ghanaians from all walks of life intend to demonstrate against the unconscionable sale of SSNIT’s 60% stake in its hotels to Rock City owned by the current Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon Bryan Acheampong.
“The date for this consequential demonstration is Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 9 am. This June 18 public manifestation is one of numerous patriotic steps we shall be embarking upon to save Ghana’s strategic assets.
“We hope we can count on the Ghana Police Service to cooperate in this defining matter of enormous public interest, and as expected of your institution under Act 491,” he said in his letter.
He further expressed disappointment in the government’s pursuit to sell the hotels to Mr Acheampong despite public outcry.
“Regrettably, despite the national outrage, unambiguous demands from Organized Labour and Civil Society Organizations that the sale be stopped, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government has refused to listen to the overwhelming majority of Ghanaians who have loudly condemned this sale.
“Considering that the deal is about to be finalized and noting that the Agric Minister has been offering strange public justifications for his conduct, which reveals that the government intends to continue with this putrefying arrangement albeit with impunity; in these circumstances, as citizens, we are compelled to enter the next phase of our national resistance.”
Below is the letter to the police.
