Ghanaians Unite Against State Capture: AblakwaGhanaians Unite Against State Capture: Ablakwa North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has expressed his gratitude for the support Ghanaians have shown in opposing the sale of SSNIT hotels to private interests. He believes this demonstrates a collective effort to combat state capture and protect public assets. Okudzeto Ablakwa has criticized the lack of due process and transparency in the deal, which involves the sale of a 60% stake in four SSNIT hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by Minister of Food and Agriculture Bryan Acheampong. According to Ablakwa, SSNIT’s justification for selling the hotels lacks sound business logic. He points out that profitable hotels like Labadi Beach Hotel are generating significant dividends and should not be sold off. Despite facing criticism, Ablakwa remains undeterred, citing the example of former Accountant General Yao Domelevo’s statement that fighting corruption invites backlash. Ablakwa emphasizes that he is not opposed to private investment but insists on clear policy justifications and a solid business case for asset sales. He believes that the sale of the SSNIT hotels represents a threat to Ghana’s national interests and will continue to fight against it.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, says Ghanaians are uniting to stop the state capture, citing concerns over the lack of due process and protection of public assets.
He expressed his appreciation to those who joined him in protesting the sale of a 60% stake in four SSNIT hotels to the Rock City Hotel, owned by Bryan Acheampong.
This follows the explanation given by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) regarding its decision to sell a 60% stake in four of its hotels to the Rock City Hotel, owned by Bryan Acheampong, Ghana’s Minister of Food and Agriculture and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for the Abetifi Constituency.
In a statement on Sunday, May 19, SSNIT explained that Rock City Hotel Limited submitted the best and strongest technical and financial proposal among all the bids received, and that it met the criteria set out in the Request for Proposals (RFP).
According to SSNIT, the selection process was transparent and in strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act.
However, speaking on the JoyNews AM show, Mr Abkakwa stated: “All our partners, the TUC, the Federation of Labour, the coalition of youth groups, the Ga Dangme Council, and all the others, I am eternally grateful to all of them, the NDC, the minority faction and our leaders, who have provided tremendous support. This has become an overwhelming, massive national quest to stop state capture.”
The MP said the criticism of him would continue, citing the famous statement by former Accountant General Yao Domelevo that if you fight corruption, corruption will fight back.
Mr. Abkakwa clarified that he is not suggesting that Ghanaians should refrain from doing business or investing their money, but his fundamental point is the lack of a clear policy justification and a solid business case for the sale of these SSNIT hotels.
“What is the reason that a very profitable hotel like Labadi Beach Hotel, and I have all the financial statements, is so profitable? Why would you sell 60% of the shares in such a profitable company that pays dividends every year? Last year 25 million, the year before 10 million.”
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