North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has labelled President Akufo-Addo as the “chief architect” of a controversial deal involving the sale of four SSNIT Hotels to Rock City, a company owned by the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
Mr Ablakwa’s accusations come in the wake of widespread opposition to the sale, which has sparked significant public outcry and protests under the banner ‘Hands Off Our Hotels.’
Despite these protests and a meeting with organized labor earlier this week, President Akufo-Addo has refused to halt the transaction.
In a social media post on June 26, 2024, Ablakwa drew a parallel to recent events in Kenya, where massive youth protests compelled the government to withdraw a contentious finance bill that included tax increases.
The Kenyan demonstrations escalated dramatically, culminating in the burning of cars and a portion of the parliament building on June 25, 2024. Several protestors were reportedly killed by police, with many others injured. Under intense pressure, Kenyan President William Ruto reversed his stance and withdrew the tax plan.
Citing the Kenyan protests as an inspiration, Ablakwa criticized President Akufo-Addo for his role in the SSNIT hotels deal. He also condemned Elizabeth Ohene, the SSNIT board chair appointed by Akufo-Addo, for justifying the deal despite widespread opposition from Ghanaians and labor representatives on the board.
“Akufo-Addo’s appointed SSNIT board chair, Elizabeth Ohene, is also boldly justifying the stinky deal despite overwhelming opposition from Ghanaians and the protest of labour reps on her board,” Ablakwa stated.
“It’s now confirmed beyond any scintilla of doubt — President Akufo-Addo is the chief architect of all the putrefying State Capture. It’s time to declare our own version of what just happened in Kenya,” he continued.
Ablakwa has called for Ghanaians to prepare for a significant demonstration, promising a major announcement soon regarding the protest plans. He assured the public that the sale of the SSNIT hotels would be actively opposed until it is halted.