It’s time to declare Ghana’s version of Kenya protests – Ablakwa

Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has called on Ghanaians to rise up against what he says is clear case of state capture masterminded by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

According to Ablakwa, President Akufo-Addo’s failure to order a stop to efforts by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to sell off some of its hotels to a hospitality company owned by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, requires a version of the recent protests which occurred in Kenya in response to attempts by the government to impose new taxes.

“President Akufo-Addo refused to stop the sale of our SSNIT hotels when he met organized labour yesterday. Akufo-Addo’s appointed SSNIT board chair, Elizabeth Ohene is also boldly justifying the stinky deal despite overwhelming opposition from Ghanaians and the protest of labour reps on her board.

“It’s now confirmed beyond any scintilla of doubt — President Akufo-Addo is the chief-architect of all the putrefying State Capture,” the MP wrote on X on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

“It’s time to declare our own version of what just happened in Kenya,” he added.

Mr Ablakwa who recently led a protest in Accra against the SSNIT hotels sale has put the public on notice of another impending protest.

Kenya this week has witnessed a series of protests which has led to the loss of lives.

Protesters on Tuesday, breached Kenya’s parliament and set portions of the House on fire following the approval of a controversial tax bill by the Senate. President William Ruto on Wednesday announced his decision to reject the bill and have it sent back to parliament for reconsideration.

In Ghana, despite public resistance against the proposed sale of some four hotels, SSNIT has justified the decision to sell off 60% shares in the hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by Bryan Acheampong.

The announcement of the sale prompted a petition from the Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), requesting an investigation over the sale, particularly to the Minister of State and Member of Parliament [Dr. Bryan Acheampong].

The hotels involved are Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel and Elmina Beach Resort.

Meanwhile, both Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and key members of Organised Labour have expressed disagreement with SSNIT's rationale for the sale.

GA/SARA

President Akufo-Addo refused to stop the sale of our SSNIT hotels when he met organized labour yesterday.

Akufo-Addo’s appointed SSNIT board chair, Elizabeth Ohene is also boldly justifying the stinky deal despite overwhelming opposition from Ghanaians and the protest of labour…

— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) June 26, 2024