An X (formerly Twitter) user @fanti_boy has alleged that, the husband of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana’s Chairperson, Jean Mensa is the owner of the consulting firm that was hired to advise Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) on selling 60% of its stake in three hotels.
In a tweet shared on May 23, @fanti_boy asserted that SSNIT hired the services of the EC Chairperson’s husband’s consultancy firm, CEM to advise them on the sale of their shares.
Dr Charles Mensa’s firm was reportedly paid four hundred and ninety-one thousand dollars ($491k) for their service and valued one of the hotels at a whooping six hundred thousand dollars ($600k).
The caption of his tweet read, “SSNIT allegedly paid $491,000 to CEM Capital as a consultant to advise it on selling 60% of its stake in three hotels.
This consultant valued one of the hotels for $600,000 Jean Mensa‘s husband owns the consulting firm”.
About SSNIT and sale of shares in their hotels
SSNIT has announced plans to sell 60% of the shares of four of its hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited, owned by Dr. Bryan Acheampong.
The hotels slated for sale include Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Elmina Beach Resort, and Ridge Royal Hotel.
The proposed sale has sparked significant public outcry and opposition. Former NPRA CEO, Dr. Daniel Seddoh, and former SSNIT Director General, Ernest Thompson, have both voiced concerns, arguing that the sale does not align with the best interests of SSNIT contributors.
A group known as the Coalition for Democratic Accountability and Inclusive Governance has threatened legal action against the sale, citing alleged irregularities and breaches of procurement procedures.
Key officials from Organised Labour have labeled the sale as “state capture” and have vowed to cease negotiations and potentially organize strikes if the sale proceeds.
However, Franklin Cudjoe, the founder and President of IMANI Africa, has offered support for the sale, asserting that the agreed-upon price is reasonable and that private sector involvement could lead to more efficient management of the hotels.
Meanwhile, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu, has been a vocal critic of the sale, alleging abuse of power. He has petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate and halt the sale.
tigpost.co
