A large group of protesters held a peaceful demonstration in Accra, demanding the halt of the sale of a 60 percent stake in four hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to Rock City Hotel, which is owned by the Food and Agriculture Minister, Bryan Acheampong.
The demonstration, dubbed: “Hands Off Our Hotels”, began from the Labadi Beach Hotel, all the way to the Jubilee House, the seat of government, led by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The MP, together with Organised Labour and other stakeholders have questioned the process that led to the selection of Rock City as the viable entity to purchase the hotels.
The hotels in question are Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and Trust Lodge Hotel.
Mr Ablakwa has raised issues of conflict of interest, but Mr Bryan Acheampong has said he has done no wrong.
Mr Acheampong has, however, distanced himself from the day-to-day operations of Rock City Hotel.
He said although he owns the company, he does not involve himself in the decisions that they take.
“I wish to state that there is a difference between Bryan Acheampong and Rock City. I own the company. I am the vision bearer and that is what I have tasked them with. Occasionally, I check on the progress being made with the vision. Rock city pays contributions of about 1,000 staff to SSNIT. You can check whether my name is on that list. I am not a director. I don’t take daily decisions for the company. I am a non-executive director” he said on Accra-based Joy FM on May 21.
Deputy Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Emmanuel Adumuah Bossman, who received the petition on Tuesday, June 18, said the President will go through it and respond appropriately.
“We are delighted to pick it because it is part of the exercise of our democratic rights guaranteed under Chapter 5 of our constitution. We are also grateful that this procession and demonstration has taken place without any negative outcomes.
“So I have received this petition on behalf of the president. I will submit it and I can assure you that it will be looked into and the appropriate measures taking place as and when it is deemed fit and proper to do so.”
