Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP for North Tongu has alleged that Social Security and National Insurance Trust’s (SSNIT) May 19 press release failed to reveal that it has authorized SEM Capital to facilitate unfettered access for Rock City to SSNIT hotels, including providing all required documents.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa deemed the omission as not only significant but also misleading and raised questions about SSNIT’s intentions behind withholding this crucial information from the public, sparking concerns about transparency and accountability.
Furthermore, Hon. Ablakwa disclosed that SSNIT, acting through its transaction advisor, directed staff at its hotels to cooperate fully with representatives from Rock City, purporting to conduct a final due diligence assessment as part of the sale process.
As such, he pointed out that SSNIT’s lack of transparency and authenticity, and reluctance to provide comprehensive information to the Ghanaian public only exacerbate the Trust’s already tarnished reputation, further eroding trust and credibility in this controversial deal.
“These newly intercepted documents…send us a very clear message, that the overwhelming majority of Ghanaians, including Organized Labor, opposed to this reckless state capture, do not have the luxury of time”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Furthermore, he noted that this new revelation must necessarily compel all true patriots to intensify their justified agitations against the unconscionable sale of SSNIT’s hotels to Bryan Acheampong, who is President Akufo-Addo’s serving Minister for Food and Agriculture.
As such, he sounded the alarm for a collective and immediate response to thwart this deal, emphasizing that united action is crucial to prevent a potentially disastrous outcome.
Accordingly, he emphasized that these disturbing developments heighten the urgency for the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to swiftly address his petition, stressing that expeditious action is now more crucial than ever.
Ablakwa Slams President’s Indifference to Corruption
Moreover, Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa lamented that it’s a staggering betrayal of public trust that President Akufo-Addo, who pledged to prevent his appointees from profiteering while in office, remains indifferent as his errant officials plunder Ghana’s strategic state assets.
As such he pointed out that the President has reneged on his promise and sacrificed the nation’s interests for personal gain.
“Perhaps it is time for the TUC to announce the date for their advertised mother of all strikes, which we shall all be joining, in full solidarity, as we seek to rescue our country, and protect the pensions of workers”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
He also reaffirmed his dedication to reversing the deal and protecting public funds, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in the process, and vowing to continue fighting for the interests of the Ghanaian people. “We shall win this battle”, he added.
Meanwhile, Ernest Thompson, former Director General of SSNIT, has called on the Trust’s board to immediately halt the controversial sale of a 60% stake in its hotels to Rock City Hotel.
Mr. Thompson contended that the opaque and irregular selection process of Rock City Hotel undermines the interests of SSNIT’s shareholders.
“SSNIT is a pension fund and it is a long-term investor, it is not a bank receiving deposits. So SSNIT’s investments are analyzed from serious places and you just don’t exit from SSNIT investments that way”.
Ernest Thompson
However, Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, came out in defense of the deal, arguing that it will play a crucial role in restructuring SSNIT and facilitating its financial recovery, despite mounting criticism and concerns over transparency and accountability.
As such, she appealed to the public to look beyond the owner of Rock City Hotels’ cabinet position and recognize him as a committed Ghanaian investor, dedicated to transforming and elevating these assets, and contributing to SSNIT’s long-term growth and prosperity.
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