Member of Parliament for North Tongue Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate and stop the sale of SSNIT hotels to the Hon. Bryan Acheampong.
The MP says he has in his possession interceptes documents that 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.
The MP added that Hon. Acheampong is a director and the sole beneficial owner of Rock City Hotel Limited.
He alleged the hotels that are being sold to the MP are Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort and Trust Lodge Hotel.
The MP has asked 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.
Since 2008, when Dr. Omane Boamah and I dragged the late Hon. Jake Obetsebi Lamptey to court over attempts to buy his official bungalow, I have always maintained that it is wrong, unethical and reprehensible for public officials, particularly, Ministers of State to participate in the purchase of state assets. It is a matter of principle,” he said.
He added that “Also, a number of these SSNIT hotels are very profitable and one wonders the rationale for the sale.
I am additionally worried about potential job losses if this sale to Bryan Acheampong is finalised.
May God help us to defeat state capture, and to scuttle this opaque and unethical transaction, which is certainly not in the national interest.”
Source: rainbowradioonline.com
