SSNIT Hotels Sale: Think About Us, We Suffer Before Giving Our Contributions - Dr. Otchere-Ankrah Tells SSNIT

Governance lecturer at the Central University, Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah has warned the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) regarding their decision to divest its stake in six hotels.

SSNIT is said to sell its 60% stake in four hotels to Rock City Hotel owned by Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Food and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Abetifi.

This move has been met with stern opposition from a section of the public and members of the opposition National Democratic Congress.

The opposers describe the SSNIT action as a "conflict of interest" and insist on the cancellation of the sale.

One of the main crusaders against the SSNIT deal is the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who has petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to stop SSNIT.

“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”, Ablakwa stated.

Also, organized labour has urged government to halt the process but SSNIT, in its defence, says Rock City Hotel Limited submitted the best and strongest technical and financial proposal among all the bids it received.

Commenting on the issue during Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show, Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah charged SSNIT to always seek the interest of its contributors first before taking any decision.

Giving the impression of not supporting SSNIT on this move, Dr. Otchere-Ankrah replied; "I am a contributor to SSNIT but they won't give me loan if I request it. So, when they are doing an investment, they must think about us. SSNIT is gradually turning into an institution that does not help its contributors. Remember the money you have doesn't belong to you. My money is part, so seek our interest first before you take decisions. Be careful of the investments you make!"

"Think about us because we suffer before making contribution", he exclaimed.