North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, is spearheading a protest today, Tuesday, June 18, 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.
The NDC MP explained that the protest aims to pressure the president into halting the sale of these hotels.
At a news conference on Monday, June 17, he confirmed that all preparations for the demonstration were complete.
Mr. Ablakwa stressed the expectation for a peaceful protest and assured that the Ghana Police Service would handle anyone attempting to cause disorder.
He also mentioned that he expects officials from the presidency to meet the demonstrators and receive their petition to deliver to the president.
During the press conference, the former Deputy Education Minister highlighted the urgency and significance of their cause, underscoring the importance of the demonstration in stopping the sale.
“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.”
“We are very peaceful protestors and law-abiding as well. So we can give the Ghanaian people the full assurance that this agreement with the Ghana Police Service will be adhered to,” he said.
Mr. Ablakwa has already petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the transaction.
However, he feels compelled to take additional action because, despite widespread opposition, the information he has obtained indicates that the process to finalise the deal is still ongoing.
While acknowledging CHRAJ’s history of conducting thorough investigations, Mr. Ablakwa expressed concern that the deal could be completed before the Commission concludes its inquiry.
Therefore, he believes it is necessary to exert extra pressure on SSNIT to halt the transaction.