Ablakwa-led demo against sale of SSNIT hotels comes off tomorrow

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, is set to lead a demonstration against the sale of four Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited, a company owned by Ghana’s Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.

The protest is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

Mr. Ablakwa has voiced strong opposition to the transaction, stating that the demonstration’s primary goal is to compel President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to intervene and halt the sale.

Speaking at a news conference held at the press center on Monday, June 17, 2024 Ablakwa confirmed that all necessary arrangements for the protest have been finalized.

He emphasized the expectation of a peaceful demonstration and reassured the public that any attempts to incite disorder would be managed by the Ghana Police Service.

Ablakwa also mentioned his anticipation that officials from the presidency would meet the demonstrators and receive their petition, which they intend to submit to the president.

“The protest is essential to ensure the sale does not proceed,” Ablakwa stated, underscoring the urgency and significance of their cause.

“We have agreed with the police that representatives of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will walk from the Jubilee House and meet us at the Christ the King Catholic Church to receive our petition. We are very peaceful protestors and law-abiding as well. So we can give the Ghanaian people full assurance that this agreement with the Ghana Police Service will be adhered to,” he said.

The former Deputy Education Minister has already taken steps to challenge the transaction by petitioning the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the deal.

However, Ablakwa expressed concerns that, despite widespread opposition, the process to finalize the sale is still ongoing.

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Ablakwa’s call for the demonstration has garnered attention due to the political and economic implications of the sale.

The MP highlighted that the protest is not merely a partisan issue but a matter of national interest, aiming to protect public assets and ensure transparency and accountability in governmental transactions.

He reiterated the importance of public participation and support in the demonstration, urging Ghanaians to join the protest to safeguard the nation’s resources.

“This is about safeguarding the assets of the people of Ghana. We cannot sit idly by while public properties are sold without due process and transparency,” Ablakwa said.

The planned protest is expected to draw significant participation from NDC members and concerned citizens, emphasizing the broader implications of the SSNIT hotels’ sale.

The outcome of the demonstration and the subsequent actions of the presidency and SSNIT will be closely watched as indicators of governmental accountability and responsiveness to public concerns.

In conclusion, Mr. Ablakwa’s leadership in this protest underscores the critical role of public scrutiny and civic engagement in holding government actions accountable, aiming to ensure that the sale of the SSNIT hotels is conducted transparently and in the best interest of the nation.

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