Business

Ablakwa Leads ‘Hands Off Our Hotels’ Protest Against SSNIT Sale on June 18

Amazon Store

Preparations are complete for the “Hands Off Our Hotels” demonstration set for Tuesday, June 18, 2024. The protest, spearheaded by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for North Tongu, aims to oppose the sale of four hotels managed by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to Rock City Hotel Limited.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, June 17, Ablakwastated that the demonstration seeks to urge President Akufo-Addo to halt the sale of these hotels. He confirmed that all arrangements for the protest are finalized, emphasizing that the event will be peaceful and in compliance with an agreement reached with the Ghana Police Service.

“We are peaceful protestors and law-abiding citizens. The Ghanaian people can be assured that we will adhere to our agreement with the police,” Ablakwa said, highlighting that any individuals attempting to incite violence will be handled by the authorities. He further explained that the protest will end at the Christ the King Catholic Church near the Jubilee House, where officials from the presidency are expected to meet the demonstrators and receive their petition for submission to the President.

“We have agreed with the police that representatives from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s office will meet us at the Christ the King Catholic Church to receive our petition,” Ablakwa noted.

The demonstration is scheduled to begin at 8:00 AM in front of the Labadi Beach Hotel, proceed to the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, and continue along Giffard Road, ending at the Lands Commission.

Ablakwa has described the sale of the hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited, owned by Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong, as an act of state capture. He has petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the transaction.

Since 2018, SSNIT has sought to divest a 60% stake in six hotels within its portfolio: Labadi Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and Trust Lodge Hotel. Among the bidders, Bryan Acheampong reportedly submitted the strongest technical and financial proposal.

Source: sankofaonline.com

Comments are closed.