In his encounter with the media at Kempiski, John Dramani Mahama spoke about government appointees purchasing state properties.
In recent times, Agric Minister, Hon. Bryan Acheampong was in the news as his hotel “Rock City” was involved in a takeover with government SSNIT hotels. This was exposed by Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu.
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has selected Rock City Hotel, owned by Minister of Agriculture Bryan Acheampong, as the preferred strategic investor to acquire a 60% stake in four SSNIT-owned hotels.The hotels involved are Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort and Ridge Royal Hotel.
The SSNIT board chair, Elizabeth Ohene, stated that Rock City went through a fair and transparent selection process and has denied allegations of corruption.However, the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) has directed SSNIT to halt negotiations with Rock City, citing concerns over the sale process.
The sale has also been met with opposition from some trade unions and the general public, with allegations of conflict of interest and abuse of power.
However;
North Tongu Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has served notice to begin the process of a private members bill that will bar political office holders from buying state property. Ablakwa has shown MPs can be useful in checking the Executive
The MP has petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, for a probe. Hon. Ablakwa disclosed that he had petitioned the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate and stop the minister from acquiring the hotels
The North Tongu legislator pointed out that the sale of state properties to government officials constitutes an abuse of power and should not be allowed to happen. This affirms what John Mahama has promised Ghanaians.
