The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has officially responded to Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s complaint regarding the sale of SSNIT’s hotel investments to Hon. Bryan Acheampong.
CHRAJ confirmed receipt of the complaint filed on May 16, 2024, and assured that they would provide further updates in due course.
In a public statement, Hon. Ablakwa reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the investigation, expressing his readiness to assist CHRAJ whenever required.
He emphasized his dedication to safeguarding these hotel assets for all Ghanaian workers, opposing their acquisition by any political figure, particularly from the NPP.
The North Tongu MP had earlier disclosed on Metro TV’s “Good Morning Ghana” program that he had formally petitioned CHRAJ to intervene and halt the sale of SSNIT’s hotels to Hon. Bryan Acheampong. Documents obtained by Ablakwa indicate that SSNIT is advanced in negotiations to sell a 60% controlling stake in six of its hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited, owned by Hon. Bryan Acheampong, who is also the MP for Abetifi and the Minister for Food and Agriculture.
The hotels in question include:
– Labadi Beach Hotel
– La Palm Royal Beach Resort
– Elmina Beach Resort
– Ridge Royal Hotel
– Busua Beach Resort
– Trust Lodge Hotel
In his petition, Ablakwa called on CHRAJ to investigate potential conflicts of interest, abuse of power, procedural lapses, procurement violations, cronyism, and corruption. He also highlighted possible breaches of Articles 78(3) and 98(2) of the 1992 Constitution, noting that Hon. Acheampong had not obtained the necessary permissions from the Speaker of Parliament to hold an office of profit.
Drawing parallels to his 2008 legal challenge against the late Hon. Jake Obetsebi Lamptey over the purchase of a state bungalow, Ablakwa reiterated his stance against public officials acquiring state assets. He questioned the rationale behind selling these profitable SSNIT hotels and voiced concerns about potential job losses resulting from the sale to Acheampong.