GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
In the wake of his recent complaint to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) regarding the sale of SSNIT’s hotels, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced his intention to sponsor a Private Member’s Bill in Parliament.
This bill aims to prevent politicians and politically exposed persons from purchasing state assets.
In a Facebook post, Ablakwa expressed his commitment to addressing the loopholes that allow politicians to exploit the current legal framework. “In the coming days, I shall be sponsoring a Private Member’s Bill in Parliament to expressly prevent politicians and politically exposed persons from participating directly or indirectly in the purchase of state assets,” he wrote.
The objective of the proposed legislation is to block any legal gaps that politicians might use to their advantage.
Ablakwa emphasized the need for a strong piece of legislation with deterrent sanctions to end the unethical practice of politicians acquiring state assets under conflict of interest and opaque circumstances.
Ablakwa’s announcement follows his recent petition to CHRAJ, urging them to investigate the sale of a 60% stake in six SSNIT hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited, owned by Bryan Acheampong, the MP for Abetifi and Minister for Food and Agriculture.
He raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, abuse of power, and lack of due process in the sale, calling for the protection of these assets for all Ghanaian workers.
Ablakwa’s commitment to this cause has been consistent since 2008, when he and Dr. Omane Boamah opposed the late Hon. Jake Obetsebi Lamptey’s attempt to purchase his official bungalow. He reiterated that it is wrong and unethical for public officials, especially Ministers of State, to buy state assets.
The MP’s proposed bill aims to uphold ethical standards and protect public assets from being acquired under questionable circumstances.
