The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has clarified that he holds no personal vendetta against Bryan Acheampong, the owner of Rock City Hotel and the Minister of Agriculture.
Ablakwa’s recent criticisms of Acheampong stem from the controversial sale process of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust’s (SSNIT) 60% shares in four hotels to Rock City Hotel.
The sale process faced significant opposition, particularly from Ablakwa, who exposed the details of the transaction.
In response to threats of a strike by Organised Labour, SSNIT discontinued the sale process.
Subsequently, Rock City Hotel announced its intention to withdraw its bid for the hotels, leading to Organised Labour calling off the planned strike.
In an interview on Channel One TV, the North Tongu MP stressed his longstanding opposition to state capture.
He lamented that the sale of state assets to individuals has often failed to benefit the country, yielding no tangible advantages.
“Why would anybody make this just about Hon Bryan Acheampong? That it is probably something personal or I have some personal hatred for him. He has been saying it, this is not about hatred, it’s not about singling out one person. I have been consistent, and I have always opposed this state capture, this sale of state assets.
“And if you look at the history since 24th February 1966, virtually all the regimes have been engaged in these sales. What has come out of it? We have seen a pattern where public officials deliberately run down state assets and then turn around to buy them. If these hotels are not good for all of us, why should they be good for you? Why should they be good for one person?”
“If Hon Bryan Acheampong is such a great hotelier, hotelier extraordinaire, the best the world has ever known and has all the acumen, why can’t he bring it to bear now that he is in Cabinet, and his government is in power?
He has all the influence. He will only bring that expertise to bear when the hotel becomes his. When he has controlling shares, 60%” he said.
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