Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding his company, Rock City Hotel Limited, acquiring shares of state-owned Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) hotels.
In an interview with Joy FM on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, Acheampong refuted allegations made by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, that the deal was shady.
Acheampong clarified that he has no involvement in the management of Rock City, despite being the owner, and is not a director of the company as claimed.
He emphasized that there is a distinction between himself and Rock City, and his role is limited to being a vision bearer and occasional progress checker.
The minister’s company, Rock City, has been accused of purchasing 60% shares of six SSNIT hotels, including Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, and Elmina Beach Resort, among others.
Ablakwa alleged that this constitutes an abuse of power and a violation of the Constitution of Ghana.
However, SSNIT has defended the deal, stating that Rock City presented the best offer and that shares of only four hotels are being sold, not six.
The trust also clarified that the shares were advertised for bidding, and any interested party could have made an offer.
Acheampong has denied any wrongdoing, stating that he is not involved in the daily decisions of Rock City and is a non-executive director.
The controversy has sparked debate on the ethics of government officials acquiring state properties, with Ablakwa petitioning the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate and prevent the deal.
