A private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has criticised President Akufo-Addo for his deafening silence on his appointee, Bryan Acheampong’s decision to buy 60% shares of four hotels belonging to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).
Speaking on JoyFM’s Super Morning Show, Mr Kpebu argued that the President’s lack of direct condemnation suggests implicit support for the Food and Agriculture Minister’s actions.
“One will expect that his first comment will be to acknowledge that, but the fact that the President has not condemned the transaction in itself is worrying,” he said on Thursday.
Many, including the Trades Union Congress have condemned the transaction since it came to light that Rock City Hotel, owned by the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong has won a bid to procure 60% stake in the four hotels.
Organised Labour has petitioned the president to halt the sale of the hotels to the minister cum parliamentary.
In response, President Akufo-Addo has directed the Employment and Labour Relations Minister, Ignatius Baffour Awuah to engage labour leaders on the issue.
The president’s goal is to find a mutually acceptable solution to the dispute, ensuring that the interests of all stakeholders are considered.
However, Mr Kpebu says using the “diplomatic route” is not enough.
He believes a public condemnation of the Mr Acheampong on his move to acquire shares in state properties would have been in the interest of the nation.
“I was expecting President Akufo-Addo to take the side of Ghana and reprimand the Agric Minister publicly. So for him to take this diplomatic route to say they should engage is not enough,” he stressed.
Mr Kpebu did not hold back in his broader criticism of President Akufo-Addo’s administration.
He accused the President of creating an environment that enables government appointees to engage in corruption and embezzle substantial amounts of public funds.
“… But then again, are we surprised? The President is so corrupt and he encourages corruption everywhere so it comes as no surprise,” he added, explaining that the President has been involved in quite a number of shady deals.
Source: myjoyonline.com
