The Member of Parliament for Wassa East, Isaac Adjei Mensah, from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has issued a challenge to his colleague MP from Afigya Kwabre North, Collins Adomako-Mensah, to specify which of the Ahwoi brothers has a stake in the Ridge Royal Hotel located in the Central Region.
This challenge arises amidst ongoing discussions about the sale of Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) shares in various state-owned hotels to Bryan Acheampong‘s Rocky City Hotel. The conversation frequently touches upon how NDC affiliates acquired state assets during their time in power.
During the June 19, 2024, edition of Metro TV’s “Good Morning Ghana” show, Collins Adomako-Mensah asserted that the Ahwois had acquired the Ridge Royal Hotel while the NDC was in office. Isaac Adjei Mensah countered this by demanding clarification on which Ahwoi brother was involved, noting that there are three Ahwoi brothers prominent in Ghanaian politics: Kwesi Ahwoi, Kwamena Ahwoi, and Ato Ahwoi.
The exchange between the MPs was as follows:
Adomako-Mensah: “The Ahwois are a minority shareholder in Ridge Royal Hotel. They bought it when the NDC was in power.”
Isaac Adjei Mensah: “Which of the Ahwois are you talking about? You can’t say Ahwois, we have Kwesi Ahwoi, Kwamena Ahwoi, and Ato.”
Adomako-Mensah: “It is about the principle, I am saying that when you (NDC) were in power, the Ahwois were able to purchase a state asset which is the Ridge Royal and at that time you were not bold enough to say what you are saying now. That is the point I am making.”
Isaac Adjei Mensah: “So now, which of the Ahwois I have asked, you cannot be blank. The other question is which state was these guys in, Ato, was he a minister, at what point did he come in?”
In other parts of the conversation, the show’s host, Randy Abbey, and Collins Adomako-Mensah clarified that the Ahwoi in question was Ato Ahwoi, who served as the board chairman of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation from 2009 to 2013.
The debate reflects broader concerns about the transparency and fairness of the acquisition of state assets by political figures. Isaac Adjei Mensah’s challenge underscores the necessity for specific details and accountability when such allegations are made.
The mention of Ato Ahwoi’s involvement has brought a new dimension to the discussion, emphasizing the need for clarity on the matter.