Concerned Youth of Eastern and Ashanti Region has stated unequivocally that there is nothing wrong with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) selling the majority of its shares in four hotels to Rock City Hotels, which is owned by Minister for Food and Agriculture Bryan Acheampong.
The group argued that so far as the business cum politician met all the criteria for the bidding processes, there is nothing wrong to lament about.
The group clarified that, these accusations, concerning the acquisition of four SSNIT-owned hotels, are not only unfounded but also indicative of a troubling pattern of tribal hatred and targeted attacks against industrious citizens of our regions.
Furthermore,the group said If unchecked, such actions risk discouraging well-meaning Ghanaian entrepreneurs from investing further in our country, exacerbating unemployment. These businesspeople employ thousands, contribute significantly to SSNIT and GRA, and help sustain many livelihoods.
SSNIT has stated it is selling 60% of the shares of the four hotels to Bryan Acheampong’s company because they presented the best offer.
It was made clear that, of the six companies that were shortlisted from the companies that exhibited interest in the offer, Rock City Hotels had the best technical and financial proposal.
SSNIT says it plans to raise money to invest in its hotels and help with their management by teaming up with a strategic investor.
SSNIT’s response was released after North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate and stop the sale of six hotels, including Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and the Trust Lodge Hotel, to the Abetifi MP.
He is requesting that CHRAJ look into a potential instance of cronyism, graft, lack of due process, misuse of power, and conflict of interest.
But the group said there is nothing wrong with the bidding process.
According to the Concerned Youth of the Eastern and Ashanti Region, the procedure began in 2018 and has since been open, reputable, and lawful.
The group underlined again that we should let him be as long as a bid was made, businesses showed interest, and Rock City Hotels met the requirements.
“It is true that Bryan Acheampobg is a minister. It is true that he is a cabinet minister. But there is nothing wrong if he has won the bid to be given the shares from the SSNIIT hotels. He is a Ghanaian businessman and has won bids out of several other borders, so we don’t have to drag this issue out.
Read full statement from Concerned Youth of Eastern and Ashanti Region
Concerned Youth of Eastern and Ashanti Region
P.O. Box NK 44, Nkawkaw, Ghana
Phone: +233 243149929
WhatsApp: +233 243149929
USA: +1 7734914568
Email: Stevenobengntiamoah@gmail.com
For Immediate Release
Concerned Youth of Eastern and Ashanti Region Stand with Hon. Dr. Bryan Acheampong: Condemnation of Attempt to Dissuade Indigenous Ghanaian Business Owners and Tribal Hatred*
May 31, 2024
We, the Concerned Youth of Eastern and Ashanti Region, express our unwavering support for Hon. Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Minister for Food and Agriculture, against recent baseless allegations by Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu. These accusations, concerning the acquisition of four SSNIT-owned hotels, are not only unfounded but also indicative of a troubling pattern of tribal hatred and targeted attacks against industrious citizens of our regions.
If unchecked, such actions risk discouraging well-meaning Ghanaian entrepreneurs from investing further in our country, exacerbating unemployment. These businesspeople employ thousands, contribute significantly to SSNIT and GRA, and help sustain many livelihoods.
Prominent global business figures like Elon Musk and Bill Gates succeeded because they were supported, not antagonized. Similarly, our local entrepreneurs should be celebrated, not targeted. The Eastern and Ashanti regions have long been known for their entrepreneurial spirit, significantly contributing to Ghana’s economic development.
Hon. Ablakwa’s actions echo the state-sponsored economic suppression during the PNDC era, which saw successful Ghanaian entrepreneurs unfairly stripped of their assets, leading to a severe economic setback. The current allegations against Hon. Acheampong are an attack on the entrepreneurial spirit nurtured in our regions over decades.
We urge the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to conduct a fair and unbiased investigation into these allegations, ensuring due process and justice. The youth of our regions demand respect for our community’s contributions and an end to these baseless attacks.
We also call on the media to act responsibly and avoid using their platforms to tarnish individuals and institutions. While we do not condone any wrongdoing, we believe that Hon. Ablakwa should allow CHRAJ to complete its investigation before making further accusations.
It took years for Ghana to recover from the entrepreneurial suppression of the PNDC era, and we must not allow a repeat of such destructive actions. The resilience of businesspeople from our regions has been crucial in revitalizing our economy and creating jobs.
We, the Concerned Youth of Eastern and Ashanti Region, stand firmly behind Hon. Dr. Bryan Acheampong and encourage him to continue his contributions to national development, particularly through ventures like Rock City Hotels, which employs over a thousand Ghanaians. Hon. Dr. Acheampong is an astute politician and humanitarian whose work positively impacts many lives daily, qualifying him as a national hero.
Let us protect those who invest in our country’s future. Thank you for your attention.
Signed,
Stephen Obeng Ntiamoah
Convener, Concerned Youth of Eastern and Ashanti Region
Phone: +233 243149929
WhatsApp: +233 243149929
USA: +1 7734914568
Email: Stevenobengntiamoah@gmail.com
Prince Agyemang Offei (Don Paino)
Communication Director, Concerned Youth of Eastern and Ashanti Region
Phone: +233 208143050
WhatsApp: +233 208143050
William Owusu
Deputy Communications Director, Concerned Youth of Eastern and Ashanti Region
Phone: +233 243307606
WhatsApp: +233 243307606