North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, is leading a protest today, Tuesday, June 18, against the sale of four Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited, which is owned by Ghana’s Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
The NDC MP stated that the protest aims to compel the president to prevent the sale of these hotels. During a news conference at the press centre on Monday, June 17, he confirmed that all arrangements for the demonstration are complete.
He emphasised his expectation for a peaceful protest and assured that any individuals attempting to incite chaos would be dealt with by the Ghana Police Service.
Mr Ablakwa conveyed his expectation that officials from the presidency would convene with the demonstrators and accept their petition for subsequent submission to the president. Speaking at a press conference on June 17, the former Deputy Education Minister reiterated the demonstration’s critical role in averting the sale’s progression, emphasizing the exigency and gravity of their cause.
Stated firmly, “We have reached an agreement with the police stipulating that delegates representing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will proceed from the Jubilee House to meet us at the Christ the King Catholic Church to receive our petition.”
“We are proponents of peaceful protest and adherence to the law. Thus, we assure the Ghanaian populace of our unwavering commitment to the agreement with the Ghana Police Service,” he affirmed.
In addition to petitioning the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the transaction, Mr. Ablakwa articulated concerns arising from information indicating the ongoing finalization of the deal despite widespread opposition.
Relying on CHRAJ’s history of conducting comprehensive investigations, Mr. Ablakwa stressed the necessity of applying additional pressure on SSNIT to forestall the transaction, fearing its completion before the Commission concludes its inquiry.
