Bryan Acheampong’s hotel, Rock City Hotel, gave the best offer for 60% share in 4 hotels – SSNIT

The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has justified its decision to sell a 60% stake in four of its hotels to Rock City Hotel, a company owned by Bryan Acheampong, Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Abetifi Constituency.

In a statement released on Sunday, May 19, SSNIT explained that Rock City Hotel Limited submitted the strongest technical and financial proposal among all the bids received, meeting the criteria outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP).

The Trust emphasized that the selection process adhered strictly to the Public Procurement Act, ensuring transparency and fairness, and denied any favoritism in choosing Rock City Hotel Limited.

The decision to seek an investor was initiated to raise capital for further investments in SSNIT’s hotels and to enhance their management.

This process began in 2018 through International Competitive Tendering (ICT) procedures, which guaranteed a fair and competitive selection process.

SSNIT hired a Transaction Advisor in November 2018 to guide the selection of a strategic investor to partner with in managing and improving the hotels.

According to SSNIT’s press release, “Based on the criteria set out in the RFP, Rock City Hotel submitted the best and strongest technical and financial proposal amongst those received.

Consequently, it is in negotiation with SSNIT to buy a 60% stake in each of the four (4) hotels (Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, and Elmina Beach Resort).”

The Trust noted that bids for Busua Beach Resort and the Trust Lodge were considered unsuccessful and are no longer part of the hotels included in this process.

This development comes in the wake of a formal petition by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the sale process of the six hotels initially mentioned, which included Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and the Trust Lodge Hotel.

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SSNIT clarified that only the bids for the four hotels were successful, contrary to the claims made in Mr. Ablakwa’s petition.

The petition by Mr. Ablakwa calls for an investigation into various allegations, including conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft.

He highlighted what he believes to be violations of constitutional provisions, specifically citing Articles 78(3) and 98(2) of the 1992 Constitution, which govern conflicts of interest and holding offices of profit.

In a Facebook post on Friday, May 17, Mr. Ablakwa argued that Bryan Acheampong’s involvement in the hotel sale without the Speaker of Parliament’s permission constitutes a breach of parliamentary protocol regarding holding offices of profit.

He stressed that this represents a serious violation requiring thorough investigation and accountability.

“In my petition, I am inviting CHRAJ to investigate grave matters bordering on conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.

He added, “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.”

In response, SSNIT reiterated that the strategy to partner with an investor to raise capital and improve the management of their hotels began in 2018 through International Competitive Tendering processes, as required by the Public Procurement Act.

The Trust’s decision to select Rock City Hotel was based on a transparent and competitive process, ensuring that the best possible offer was chosen to benefit the Trust and its stakeholders.

This development highlights the ongoing scrutiny of public procurement processes in Ghana and underscores the need for transparency and adherence to legal frameworks.

The involvement of a high-profile figure like Bryan Acheampong adds a layer of complexity and public interest to the situation, prompting calls for thorough investigations to maintain public trust in governmental and institutional operations.

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