The Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has condemned the actions of the government, particularly the leadership of SSNIT regarding the sale of four hotels belonging to SSNIT and called for immediate measures to address the concerns of the striking workers.
The National Democratic Congress legislator, in a scathing critique, underscored the deep frustrations felt by many Ghanaians and highlighted what he sees as systemic issues of state capture and governmental mismanagement under the New Patriotic Party administration led by President Akufo-Addo.
“Today’s historic nationwide strike by all labor unions would have been avoided but for intransigence, belligerence, lawlessness, utter disrespect for citizens and unbridled taste for state capture”.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency
In emphasizing his call for action, the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament, Honorable Ablakwa called for the immediate dissolution of the board and management of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA).
Additionally, the Honorable Ablakwa demanded the dismissal of the Employment Minister, in charge of Pensions, Honorable Ignatius Baffour Awuah, and the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Honorable Bryan Acheampong.
The North Tongu Member of Parliament strongly underscored the critical need for the two Ministers under the New Patriotic Party administration to be held accountable for the ongoing industrial action by the Organized Labour and the Trade Union Congress.
The National Democratic Congress lawmaker in addition criticized the government’s handling of matters leading to the ongoing labor issues regarding the terminated sale of SSNIT hotels to Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
“Let today’s industrial action serve as an eloquent reminder to all Ghanaian leaders that real power belongs to the people”, Honorable Ablakwa stated.
He further asserted that the government’s legitimacy is derived from the will of the people, and any actions perceived as undermining this principle will not be tolerated.
State Capture and Its Implications
Moreover, the North Tongu Member of Parliament, Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa accused the New Patriotic Party administration of “unbridled taste for state capture”.
He alleged that a small group of individuals within the current government is exerting disproportionate influence over state institutions for their own benefit, to the detriment of the public good.
Honorable Ablakwa thus amplified his demands and calls for decisive action to address the systemic issues at play.
“You mess with the people at your peril. Aluta continua, vitória é certa! State Capture shall surely be defeated!”, Honorable Ablakwa strongly concluded.
The controversy surrounding the sale of 60% of SSNIT’s stake in the hotels has drawn significant attention.
On Friday, Organised Labour declared a complete halt of work activities across the nation unless SSNIT publicly announces the cessation of the sale proceedings.
Organized Labour, in a statement, reiterated its well-known opposition to the move, declaring it contrary to the best interests of the Ghanaian worker.
Following the Organized Labour press statement, Rock City Hotel withdrew its bid to invest in the hotels under the Social Security & National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) portfolio.
In a detailed letter addressed to the Director-General of SSNIT, Mr. Kofi Osafo-Maafo, Rock City Hotel expressed its dismay at the unexpected controversies that have surfaced during the investment process.
Subsequently, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) announced the termination of its plans to divest a 60% stake in its hotel assets.
Elizabeth Akua Ohene, Board Chair of SSNIT, in a statement, pointed out that the decision underscores SSNIT’s dedication to prudently managing its resources to ensure the sustainability of the Pension Scheme for its beneficiaries.
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