Ablakwa demands tax clearance evidence for Rock City in SSNIT Hotels deal

The North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has formally requested evidence of Rock City's GRA Tax Clearance Certificate through the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Mr. Ablakwa contends that Rock City, which is attempting to purchase a 60% stake in four SSNIT Hotels, did not file their tax returns for 2021 and 2022, making it impossible for them to have a valid tax clearance certificate during the tender process.

Citing the Income Tax Act, 2015 (Act 896) and SSNIT's own Pre-Qualification Criteria, Mr. Ablakwa asserts that Rock City's bid should have been disqualified. He is also seeking a copy of the full evaluation report and the minutes of all tender committee meetings.

In a Facebook post, the North Tongu MP emphasized his expectation that SSNIT complies with the RTI law and provides the requested information in the interest of transparency and accountability. This request is part of his constitutional mandate for parliamentary oversight.

Mr. Ablakwa is vocally opposing the sale of the 60% stake in the SSNIT Hotels to Rock City, owned by Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Agriculture.

He has described the transaction as state capture, organized a demonstration against it, and called on Ghanaians to resist the sale.