The upcoming ‘Hands Off Our Hotels’ demonstration is set to become a focal point for those opposing the sale of a 60% stake in six hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) in Ghana. Scheduled for Tuesday, June 17, the protest has already garnered significant attention.
Leading the charge is Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu and a convener of the demonstration. Ablakwa has not only petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) against the sale but has also been vocal in his opposition, labeling the sale to Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong as an abuse of power.
In a recent address to the media, Ablakwa emphasized the protesters’ key demand: for President Akufo-Addo to immediately halt the sale to Bryan Acheampong. He criticized the government’s handling of the issue, stating that attempts to involve Organized Labour in discussions were merely a facade, and that the sale of state assets, especially profitable ones, must cease.
Support for the protest has been widespread, with the Public Relations Officer of the Trades Union Congress, Naa Ayele Ardayfio Sekyere, voicing her support. She highlighted the broader implications of the sale, noting that it is not just about the hotels but about the pattern of behavior regarding state assets.
“This is a national call and it is exciting that our MPs are leading this. Let’s look at it; how is it that every now and again, we have issues with SSNIT? You can’t do the same thing so many times and expect different results. We are just not making progress as far as SSNIT is concerned,” she said.
The demonstration is expected to be well-attended and is likely to put significant pressure on the government to reconsider the sale of the SSNIT hotels.