Hundreds of protesters on Tuesday converged at the frontage of the Labadi beach hotel in Accra to protest against the sale of a 60 percent stake in four hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to Rock City Hotel, owned by Food and Agriculture Minister, Bryan Acheampong.
The demonstration dubbed “Hands Off Our Hotels” is being spearheaded by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Traditional authorities of La who are custodians of the land on which the Labadi Beach Hotel and the La Palm Royal Beach Resort sit have also joined the demonstration to protest the sale of the two hotels.
The chiefs’ involvement amplifies local resistance against the proposed sale of these landmark hotels, stressing their integral role in the community’s history and identity.
During a protest, the La Wulomo voiced his frustration with the ongoing situation. He strongly criticized the government for its handling of the economy, accusing officials of mismanagement and corruption.
He specifically condemned the government’s involvement in what he described as the looting and illegal appropriation of land, instead of safeguarding state assets.
He emphasized that the land in question belonged to their ancestors and questioned the rationale behind its sale to the state.
The demonstration, marked by chants and placards bearing messages of preservation, drew a diverse crowd, including residents, activists, and cultural leaders.
The hotels to be sold include Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and Trust Lodge Hotel.
Conflict of interest concerns have been raised by Mr. Ablakwa, but Mr. Bryan Acheampong has stated that since he has removed himself from the day-to-day management of the Rock City Hotel, he has done nothing illegal.
Despite owning the business, he maintained he is not involved in the decisions that are made.
Additionally, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has refuted any wrongdoing in its choice to provide Rock City Hotel a 60% ownership interest in its hotels.
SSNIT states that the plan to collaborate with an investor to acquire money to invest in their hotels and help with management began as early as 2018 through the Public Procurement Act’s International Competitive Tendering (ICT) procedures.
But Mr Ablakwa, who has also filed a petition with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) for an investigation, aims to halt the sale and bring attention to what he describes as “state capture.”
