SSNIT Hotels: It is strange for government to sell a state property to a member of the government – Domelevo

Former Auditor-General of Ghana, Daniel Yaw Domelevo, has applauded Organised Labour for fighting against the decision by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to sell off 60% of its holdings in four hotels.

According to the former Auditor-General, not only does he find the lack of stakeholder consultation in the botched deal concerning, but he also finds it strange that the management and board of SSNIT had decided on a company owned by a member of the government as the potential buyer.

“I follow all those developments with keen interest, and I must say kudos to Organised Labour for standing their ground against what I think is not right. Even if you are doing something on my behalf which is right, I think it is proper to consult me so that I know that you are securing my interest.

“So if these things were not revealed by a politician, Ablakwa, otherwise before you realise, it would have been sold, and I find it very strange that a government will sell government property to a member of the government. I don’t know where we are on conflict of interest and how we are respecting the provisions under Article 284,” he stated during an interview on Channel One TV’s Point of View on Monday, July 15, 2024.

In a statement dated July 12, 2024, SSNIT said it had ceased the sale process, which intended to transfer 60% of the state-owned insurance company’s stake in the four hotels to Rock City Hotel, a company owned by the current Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.

However, the public disapproval of the deal, which compelled SSNIT to announce the termination, has not ceased, as calls are now being made for the board and management of SSNIT led by Madam Elizabeth Ohene and Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Maafo, respectively, to be dissolved.

Organised Labour, at the forefront of the fight against the deal, announced a strike action to commence on Monday, July 15, 2024.

However, following SSNIT’s termination of the deal, Organised Labour has since called off the strike.

Meanwhile, individuals and corporate bodies continue to demand the removal of the current management and board of SSNIT.

GA/SEA