Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, has alleged that six hotels belonging to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) are being sold to the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
According to the North Tongu lawmaker, selling state properties to government officials is an abuse of power and should be prohibited.
In a petition to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) on Friday, May 17, and posted on his social media platforms, the MP wants the anti-graft body to stop the sale of the said hotels.
Furthermore, Mr Ablakwa alleged in his petition that documents he has intercepted show that negotiations to sell 60% of the shares of the six SSNIT hotels to the minister’s Rock City Hotel Limited “are far advanced.”
“Intercepted documents in my possession confirm that SSNIT is far advanced in selling a controlling 60% stake in six of its hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited, owned by Hon. Bryan Acheampong, the MP for Abetifi and Minister for Food and Agriculture.
“Hon. Acheampong is a director and the sole beneficial owner of Rock City Hotel Limited,” the MP wrote.
He added, “The six SSNIT hotels being sold are: Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and Trust Lodge Hotel.”
“In my petition, I am inviting CHRAJ to investigate grave matters bothering on conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft.
“I have also drawn attention to blatant violations of Article 78(3) and 98(2) of the 1992 Constitution as diligent checks from Parliament’s Committee on Office of Profit reveal that Hon. Bryan Acheampong has not applied and does not have the permission of the Speaker of Parliament to hold an office of profit,” Mr Ablakwa wrote on X.
One of the relief the North Tongu lawmaker is seeking is “that CHRAJ launches a full-scale, impartial investigation into the imminent prospective sale to Hon. Bryan Acheampong of 60% shares of hotels within SSNIT’s investment portfolio which raise fundamental concerns bothering on conflict of interest and abuse of power.
Also, Mr Ablakwa wants CHRAJ to “investigate SSNIT’s conduct and procurement processes regarding this matter in issue, particularly with the view to unraveling what led to the numerous violations of due process and unfair treatment.”
Meanwhile, 3News is making efforts to reach the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, on this developing story.