North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is spearheading a protest today against the sale of four Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited, owned by Ghana’s Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
During a news conference held at the press centre on Monday, June 17, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP confirmed that all arrangements for the demonstration are complete. He emphasized the protest’s objective: to compel President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to intervene and halt the sale of these hotels.
Mr. Ablakwa assured the public of a peaceful protest, stressing that the Ghana Police Service would handle any attempts to incite chaos. “We are very peaceful protestors and law-abiding as well. So we can give the Ghanaian people the full assurances that this agreement with the Ghana Police Service will be adhered to,” he stated.
Preparations are in full swing for the Hands Off Our Hotels demonstration organized by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa#3NewsGH pic.twitter.com/piCpGOLx1l
— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) June 18, 2024
The former Deputy Education Minister reiterated the importance of the demonstration in preventing the sale, highlighting the urgency and significance of their cause.
“We have agreed with the police on the condition that the representatives of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will walk from the Jubilee House and meet us at the Christ the King Catholic Church to receive our petition,” he said.
Mr. Ablakwa has also petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the transaction. Despite this, he feels compelled to take additional steps because information he has obtained suggests that the deal is still progressing.
Expressing concern over CHRAJ’s investigation timeline, Mr. Ablakwa noted, “Citing CHRAJ’s history of conducting thorough investigations, I am concerned that the deal could be completed before the Commission concludes its inquiry. Therefore, it is necessary to exert extra pressure on SSNIT to halt the transaction.”
The protest aims to bring public attention to what Mr. Ablakwa describes as a critical issue, with the potential to impact the nation’s resources and governance integrity.