North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has successfully petitioned President Akufo-Addo over the sale of Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) hotels to Ghana’s Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
On Tuesday, June 18, representatives of the President received the petition on behalf of Nana Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House.
Reading out the petition, Mr Ablakwa asked the president to halt the sale of the hotels as it was not in the interest of the country. He also called on the president to investigate government officials who deliberately sabotage state institutions in order for politicians to acquire them.
He believes sanctioning and relieving such individuals of their positions will serve as deterrent to others.
Meanwhile, several individuals who partook in today’s protest have been hospitalised.
The protest, organized by North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, saw tensions escalate when police used pepper spray and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Ablakwa confirmed that some of the injured protesters have been transported to a health facility for treatment.
According to him, some protestors collapsed after being pepper sprayed without provocation. He was not able to indicate the exact hospitals they were sent to. He however noted that he will engage his team and visit the victims at the health centres they have been admitted to
The demonstration aimed to halt the sale of four SSNIT hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited, a company owned by Bryan Acheampong.
In a fervent address, Mr. Ablakwa expressed his determination to prevent the sale. “It has become the whole of Ghana versus the few lootocrats who are determined to continue with their state capture, and I am clear in my mind that they will have no choice but to listen,” he said.
“Even if you don’t listen and you try to sell this hotel, how are they going to have access to the hotel? How? Because we will block that access. These are our assets, and we are saying you haven’t consulted us.”
He further emphasized, “Rest assured, we are confident these hotels will not be sold.”