Private Legal Practitioner, Nana Obiri Boahen has criticized North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for leading the “Hands Off Our Hotels” protest.
The main objective of the Tuesday, June 18 protest is to exert pressure on the government to immediately halt the proposed sale of a 60 percent stake in four prominent hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to Rock City Hotel.
This company is reportedly owned by Bryan Acheampong, Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture.
The hotels in question include the Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, and Busua Beach Resort.
Mr Acheampong has, however, distanced himself from the day-to-day operations of Rock City Hotel.
He said although he owns the company, he does not involve himself in the decisions that they take.
North Tongu MP and the organiser of the protest, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa argues that the sale of state-owned properties to government officials constitutes a clear abuse of power that should not be tolerated.
Lawyer Nana Obiri Boahen urged Okudzeto Ablakwa to cease the commotion and allow the country to move forward.
In an interview with a Kumasi-based radio station, Lawyer Nana Obiri Boahen questioned whether it was the first time SSNIT properties were being sold.
He recalled SSNIT’s establishment in 1972 and the sale of the SSB bank in 1977, which is now Société Générale. He questioned if Okudzeto Ablakwa is unaware of this sale.
“I fully support the sale of SSNIT hotels,” Lawyer Nana Obiri Boahen remarked.
While Lawyer Nana Obiri Boahen expressed respect for the North Tongu Lawmaker, he clarified that he both agrees and disagrees with some of the MP’s comments.
He emphasized that common sense should dictate the government selling unprofitable ventures.
Comparing the state of Metro Mass Transit to private transport companies, Lawyer Nana Obiri Boahen argued that the government should divest more assets.
He suggested selling the Produce Buying Company (PBC) due to its lack of profitability, although he noted that the PBC has seen a revival under the NPP government.
Lawyer Nana Obiri Boahen also called for the government to transfer the multi-million dollar, abandoned Krofrom market project to a private investor.
He lamented that the project, initiated by former President Kufuor in 2007, was meant to be completed in six months but was halted in 2008 due to funding issues.
