Gov’t released KPMG report to take Ghanaians’ attention from sale of SSNIT hotels – Bridget Otoo

Prominent social media personality, Bridget Otoo, has alleged that the release of the KPMG audit report by President Nana Akufo-Addo over the deal between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) is meant to distract the public from the ongoing sale of SSNIT hotels to Member of Parliament for Abetifi Constituency, Bryan Acheampong.

The release of the KPMG audit report by President Nana Akufo-Addo comes in response to weeks of mounting pressure from the public and civil society organizations for transparency regarding the contentious contract.

The President commissioned KPMG to audit the contract on January 2, 2024, with an initial deadline of January 16, 2024, later extended to February 23, 2024.

In reaction, Bridget Otoo noted that since the labour unions have threatened a strike over the SSNIT deal with Rock City Hotel, the government has found it prudent to release the KPMG report.

“The government doesn’t care about anything! It’s either their way or nothing… As @lordcudjoe puts it “all crooked deals are cooked at the “ #JulorbiHouse They didn’t want to release the SML report, now that Labour unions are threatening strike over this heartless deal of handing over 60% stake in 6 hotels to a sitting MP and minister, they have found it necessary to release the report. #SSNITStopTheSaleNow,” she wrote.

SSNIT

Organised Labour has voiced concerns over the ongoing divestiture of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) shares in four hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Agriculture.

The group has urged the government to halt the process, warning of a potential nationwide strike by workers if the divestiture proceeds.

SSNIT is close to finalizing the sale of 60% of its shares in Labadi Beach Hotel, LA Palm Royal Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, and Elmina Beach Resort to Rock City Hotel.

This move has sparked widespread criticism, prompting North Tongu MP Okudzeto Ablakwa to file a petition with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).