Sale of SSNIT hotels: CHRAJ has commenced investigations into my petition – Ablakwa

North Tongu Lawmaker Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has said that the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has started investigations into the petition that he filed to look into the sale of the hotels belonging to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to Agric Minister Bryan Acheampong.

He says CHRAJ had informed him about the commencement of the investigation and had told him to be on standby for further information if need be.

The opposition lawmaker said this on TV3 New Day Wednesday, June 19 when asked what the commission had started an investigation into the matter.

“Yes CHRAJ has informed me that they have commenced investigations into the matter,” he said.

In his petition to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) on May 16, the MP wants the anti-graft body to stop the sale of the said hotels.

Furthermore, Mr Ablakwa alleged in his petition that documents he has intercepted show that negotiations to sell 60% of the shares of the six SSNIT hotels to the minister’s Rock City Hotel Limited “are far advanced.”

“Intercepted documents in my possession confirm that SSNIT is far advanced in selling a controlling 60% stake in six of its hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited, owned by Hon. Bryan Acheampong, the MP for Abetifi and Minister for Food and Agriculture.

The six SSNIT hotels being sold are  Labadi Beach Hotel,  La Palm Royal Beach Resort,  Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and  Trust Lodge Hotel.

However, the Trust explained that Rock City Hotel Limited submitted the most outstanding technical and financial proposal among all the bids, meeting all the criteria specified in the Request for Proposals (RFP).

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SSNIT emphasised that the selection process was transparent and fully complied with the Public Procurement Act.

‘Based on the criteria set out in the RFP, Rock City Hotel submitted the best and strongest technical and financial proposal amongst those received. Consequently, it is in negotiation with SSNIT to buy a 60% stake in each of the four (4) hotels ( Labadi Beach Hotel,  La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel and  Elmina Beach Resort).

“Bids for Busua Beach Resort and the  Trust Lodge were considered to be unsuccessful so they are no longer part of the hotels covered in this process.”

“It was mentioned on the Metro TV discussion that the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has been petitioned to conduct a full-scale investigation into the sale of SSNIT hotels.

“Given the impending investigation by CHRAJ, Management of SSNIT will not comment further. SSNIT will cooperate fully with CHRAJ throughout its investigation process,” the Trust said in a statement dated Sunday, May 19, 2024.

Meanwhile, CHRAJ, in a letter dated May 20, addressed to the petitioner, Mr Ablakwa, has acknowledged the petition.

“I write in acknowledgement of your complaint brought before the Commission dated 16th May 2024 and to respectfully inform you that the Commission will revert to you in due course,” it said.

Read SSNIT’s full statement below: