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Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Minister for Food and Agriculture, has responded forcefully to allegations made by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, regarding the purchase of hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).
In an interview with Joy FM on Tuesday, Dr. Acheampong, who is also the MP for Abetifi, warned Ablakwa against attempts to tarnish his reputation and that of his business, Rock City Hotel. Ablakwa recently petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the sale of four SSNIT-owned hotels to Dr. Acheampong, citing concerns about due process and procurement breaches.
Dr. Acheampong expressed his disappointment with Ablakwa’s actions, describing the allegations as unfounded and a deliberate effort to damage his image. “You are just adding things together and trying to destroy me and trying to destroy Rock City. It is most unfair, it is ‘un-Ghanaian’ and you should stop it,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of distinguishing between him as an individual and his businesses, urging Ablakwa to ask genuine questions if he has any concerns. “If you have issues with a corporate entity, ask questions. I will never stop you and nobody will stop you from asking questions, but the tangent that you [Okudzeto Ablakwa] are going has nothing to do with that,” Dr. Acheampong stated.
Dr. Acheampong also asserted that the truth would be revealed through the CHRAJ investigation, maintaining that Ablakwa’s claims were baseless. “I am a politician and I can be okay with it… but note that you are not speaking the truth and CHRAJ will confirm all this to you,” he added.
This response comes in the wake of Ablakwa’s announcement to sponsor a Private Member’s Bill in Parliament aimed at preventing politicians and politically exposed persons from purchasing state assets, citing a need to block legal loopholes and prevent conflicts of interest.
CHRAJ has acknowledged Ablakwa’s complaint and assured a thorough investigation into the matter. As the situation unfolds, the public awaits the commission’s findings to determine the validity of the allegations and the appropriateness of the hotel sales.
