Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has raised fresh concerns over the sale of SSNIT hotels, asserting that the process is marred by mismanagement and favoritism.
Ablakwa, in a recent social media post, disclosed that Rock City Hotel, a hotel owned by a member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), declared losses in 2023, contrasting sharply with the profits reported by the Labadi Beach Hotel.
“Intercepted GRA filings reveal that the NPP’s much-hyped Rock City Hotel declared losses in 2023,” Ablakwa stated. “This is the same year Labadi Beach Hotel made profits in excess of GHS158 million.”
Ablakwa’s post comes amidst heightened scrutiny of the sale, which he alleges is not about saving struggling hotels but rather capturing profitable national assets for personal gain. He urged Ghanaians to question the motives behind the sale and highlighted the discrepancies in the financial performance of the hotels involved.
“Don’t believe the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government when they tell you this sleazy deal is about Bryan Acheampong’s Rock City saving SSNIT’s struggling hotels,” Ablakwa argued. “It’s all about capturing profitable and iconic national brands for themselves. It’s never been about the interest of Ghanaian workers and pensioners.”
The MP has been a vocal critic of the sale, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in managing public assets. He called on citizens to join in opposing the transaction, labeling it as unpatriotic and harmful to the interests of Ghanaian workers and pensioners.
“We shall stop this unpatriotic, senseless and deleterious sale!” he declared, rallying support for a demonstration scheduled for June 18. “Our June 18 DEMO is loading 🔥🔥🔥.”
Ablakwa’s statements have intensified the debate over the management of SSNIT assets, with many awaiting further developments and responses from the government and other stakeholders.
The controversy surrounding the sale of SSNIT hotels has been ongoing, with various stakeholders questioning the rationale and transparency of the process. SSNIT, responsible for managing pension funds in Ghana, has faced criticism for its handling of investments and assets, prompting calls for reforms and better governance.