Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has filed a petition with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate allegations surrounding the sale of six hotels by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to the Food and Agriculture Minister, Dr. Bryan Acheampong.
In his petition, Mr. Ablakwa asserts that there are ongoing plans to sell a controlling 60% stake in six SSNIT-owned hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited, a company owned by Dr. Bryan Acheampong, who is also the MP for Abetifi.
The hotels under scrutiny include Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and the Trust Lodge Hotel.
Mr. Ablakwa’s petition calls for an investigation into several allegations, including conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft.
He stressed the perceived violations of constitutional provisions, citing Articles 78(3) and 98(2) of the 1992 Constitution.
Addressing the media in Parliament on Friday, May 17, Mr. Ablakwa contended that Dr. Bryan Acheampong’s alleged involvement in the hotel sale without the Speaker of Parliament’s permission constitutes a breach of parliamentary protocol regarding holding offices of profit.
“In my petition, I am inviting CHRAJ to investigate grave matters bothering on conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.
“I have also drawn attention to blatant violations of Article 78(3) and 98(2) of the 1992 Constitution as diligent checks from Parliament’s Committee on Office of Profit reveal that Hon. Bryan Acheampong has not applied and does not have the permission of the Speaker of Parliament to hold an office of profit,” he added.
