Abraham Koomson, the Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), is supporting North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s plan to protest the sale of several hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).
Mr. Koomson insists that the sale is unconstitutional and should be stopped immediately.
Speaking on Ahotor 92.3 FM‘s morning show ‘AdeKyee Mu Nsem‘ hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu, Mr. Koomson criticized the leaders of Organized Labour for failing to properly oversee the sale of these hotels.
MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has officially informed the Ghana Police Service about the upcoming demonstration against SSNIT’s sale of a 60% stake in four hotels to Rock City Hotel. Rock City Hotel is owned by Bryan Acheampong, the MP for Abetifi and the Minister of Agriculture.
Mr. Ablakwa has been vocal in his opposition to the sale, arguing that it lacks due process and violates procurement laws. He has also petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the sale.
Bryan Acheampong, who is also the Minister for Agriculture, claims that Ablakwa is damaging his reputation.
The protest is scheduled for Tuesday, June 18, starting at the Labadi Beach Hotel, moving through La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, and ending at Jubilee House, where a petition will be delivered to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Mr. Ablakwa is hopeful that the police will cooperate fully with the protestors.
“Under the Public Order Act of 1994 (Act 491), this serves as formal notice that many Ghanaians from various backgrounds plan to protest the unjust sale of SSNIT’s 60% stake in its hotels to Rock City, owned by the current Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon Bryan Acheampong.
“The protest will take place on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, starting at 9 am. This demonstration is just one of many steps we are taking to protect Ghana’s strategic assets.
“We expect full cooperation from the Ghana Police Service, as is required under Act 491.”
He expressed his disappointment with the government’s decision to proceed with the sale despite widespread public opposition.
“Unfortunately, despite national outrage and clear demands from Organized Labour and Civil Society Organizations to halt the sale, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government has ignored the voices of the majority of Ghanaians who strongly oppose this sale.
“Given that the deal is nearly finalized and noting the strange public justifications from the Agriculture Minister, it is clear that the government intends to continue with this questionable arrangement. Therefore, as citizens, we are compelled to enter the next phase of our national resistance.”
Mr. Abraham Koomson praised the North Tongu MP for shedding light on a potentially harmful deal for the country.
LISTEN TO ABRAHAM KOOMSON IN THE AUDIO BELOW:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh (#RomeoWrites) / Ahotoronline.com
