Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the lead organizer of the “Hands Off Our Hotels” protest and Member of Parliament for North Tongu, is demanding the immediate removal of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) board, led by Elizabeth Ohene.
Ablakwa expressed his disappointment in the board’s failure to prevent the trust from selling its stakes in four hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited, owned by Bryan Acheampong.
He led a demonstration in Accra, petitioning President Akufo-Addo and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate and halt the sale.
Ablakwa argued that instead of selling its shares, SSNIT should hire new management to turn around the loss-making hotels.
He emphasized that the trust is responsible for managing workers’ contributions and pensions, and the board’s actions are not in the best interest of the workers.
Ablakwa called for the board’s dissolution, accusing them of being unresponsive and deceptive.
He stated that the trust should stop making “deceptive statements” and acknowledge that the deal is not in the national interest.
SSNIT responded that Rock City Hotel Limited presented the best offer for the purchase of its 60% stake in each of the four hotels.
However, Ablakwa remains adamant that the deal is not in the national interest and should be terminated.
He has evidence that suggests the deal is not favorable to workers and is calling for a halt to the sale.
The demonstration and petitions are a testament to the growing opposition to the sale, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability from SSNIT.
