SSNIT presses forward with divestiture of hotel stakes despite CHRAJ petition – Ghana Federation of Labour asserts
The Ghana Federation of Labour has condemned the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) for advancing negotiations to divest its stake in four hotels to Rock City Hotel, a company owned by Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong.
The sale of SSNIT’s stake in the hotels is proceeding despite a pending petition before the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).
Abraham Koomson, Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour, voiced his dismay at SSNIT’s persistence, suggesting that CHRAJ lacks the authority to halt the process. Mr Koomson indicated that the Federation would boycott a forthcoming meeting with the President in protest.
“We are requesting an immediate suspension of this transaction. Participating in further discussions seems futile unless there is a commitment to halt the process,” Mr Koomson asserted.
This controversy erupted in May when Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu, spotlighted the deal.
Mr Ablakwa questioned the rationale behind SSNIT selling a 60% stake in profitable state-owned hotels to a sitting minister, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the minister’s prioritization of private ventures over public service.
Critics argue that the Agric Minister should leverage his purported business acumen for national gain within his ministerial role rather than for personal enrichment.
Mr Ablakwa has been particularly vocal, questioning the ethics and patriotism of the Minister’s actions. He contends that the minister’s decision to reserve his expertise for private endeavors reflects poorly on his commitment to public service.
Defenders of the transaction maintain that the Agric Minister has the potential to enhance the hotels’ financial performance. However, Mr Ablakwa and his supporters demand concrete evidence of such capabilities, arguing that the minister’s track record does not justify the sale.
