Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has raised doubts over the ownership status of Jubilee House, the seat of Ghana’s Executive branch, amidst allegations of state capture.
In a discussion on Onua FM on July 13, 2024, he expressed concern that the government has allegedly privatized several state assets, particularly to party affiliates, casting doubt on the integrity of these national resources.
“I cannot really vouch for what truly is in the name of Ghana,” he said.
“Are you aware the Teshie shooting range is gone? The Prison Barracks is also gone under a PPP arrangement. So, I really don’t know, probably apart from Jubilee House, and even that I’m not sure. The issue of state capture is not a joke; everything is going,” he asked.
Ablakwa’s remarks coincide with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) halting the sale of a 60% stake in four of its hotels, following public outcry.
Following the cancellation of the proposed sale of a 60% stake in four hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), the organization issued a statement on July 12, 2024, announcing the termination of this controversial transaction.
“The Board and management of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) wish to inform the public that the process to divest 60% of SSNIT’s stake in the hotels has been terminated,” the board chair stated.
SSNIT emphasized its dedication to managing the Trust’s affairs responsibly, ensuring the sustainability of the Pension Scheme for pensioners and contributors alike.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has disclosed a list of assets that he claims to have prevented the Akufo-Addo-led government from selling, citing concerns over state capture.
Among the notable instances cited by Mr. Ablakwa is his recent intervention in preventing the sale of a 60% stake in four hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to Rock City Hotel, a private firm linked to Ghana’s Food and Agriculture Minister, Bryan Acheampong.
The sale was halted following strong objections from Organised Labour after Mr. Ablakwa raised alarms about the transaction involving a public service officer.
In addition to the hotel stake, Mr. Ablakwa highlighted several other assets he claims to have safeguarded from sale or questionable dealings:
Land belonging to the Nigerian High Commission, which he alleges was targeted for a midnight demolition operation by unidentified actors.
Land owned by the Bulgarian Embassy, allegedly subject to clandestine demolition efforts by high-ranking political appointees under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration.
Successful prevention of attempts to demolish the Accra International Conference Centre.
Preservation efforts concerning prominent hotels such as Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Resort, Elmina Beach Hotel, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Hotel, and Trust Lodge.
Labadi Beach Hotel
La Palm Royal Resort
Elmina Beach Hotel
Ridge Royal Hotel
Busua Beach Hotel
Trust Lodge.
Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that these actions are just the beginning of his efforts to combat what he perceives as state capture, urging continued vigilance and activism in reclaiming public assets for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
“This is just the beginning — may these modest gains inspire us not to give up until we have reclaimed the rest,” Mr. Ablakwa stated, underscoring his commitment to combating alleged instances of state capture in Ghana.
The disclosures by Mr. Ablakwa have ignited public debate and scrutiny over governance and transparency in asset management within the Akufo-Addo administration.
Mr. Ablakwa continues to advocate for greater oversight and integrity in government dealings.
Assets we have so far saved:
1. Land belonging to the Nigerian High Commission after a midnight demolition operation by faceless elements;
2. Land belonging to the Bulgarian Embassy after another clandestine demolition by top Akufo-Addo/Bawumia political appointees;
3. Parks…
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) July 15, 2024
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has firmly stated his stance against any future government under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that engages in state capture.
Speaking on Onua TV’s morning show, Maakye, on Monday, July 15, 2024, Ablakwa emphasized that he would resign from any administration that indulges in practices detrimental to the nation’s assets.
The outspoken lawmaker highlighted his commitment to integrity and accountability in public office, asserting, “I will not just speak, but I will resign from the government. I won’t be part of it. That we come to power and these things that we are condemning, we come and do the same things, I won’t be part of such a government. I’ll just be in Parliament and I’ll be paid for it.”
Ablakwa further underscored that his livelihood does not depend on holding a ministerial position, stating there are numerous avenues outside government where he can thrive.
His comments come amidst recent controversies surrounding attempts to sell a 60% stake of SSNIT in four hotels, which he has actively opposed.
“I don’t have to be a Minister before I can eat. There are so many things I can do. There are so many people who are not in government who are doing well,” Ablakwa added.
Echoing sentiments expressed by NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama, Ablakwa welcomed Mahama’s commitment to prevent his appointees from acquiring state assets.
He cited Mahama’s recent pledge during a media engagement where he vowed that no member of his administration would engage in such practices.
“I was happy when former President Mahama clearly said at his press conference that he won’t allow any member of his government to buy state assets,” Ablakwa affirmed. He expressed optimism that the proposed Protection of Public Assets Bill, aimed at prohibiting public officials from acquiring state properties, would be enacted before the commencement of any future NDC government.
Mahama, addressing concerns of political ethics and transparency, reiterated his commitment to ethical governance practices during his media engagement. He emphasized that under his leadership, all appointees would adhere strictly to a code of conduct prohibiting the purchase of state assets.
“We will cut out waste, we will eliminate opulence, and we will introduce a code of conduct for public appointees, especially political appointees, regarding how they behave in terms of their modesty and humility,” Mahama stated.
In response to ongoing concerns about political ethics and transparency, Mr Ablakwa has announced plans to lead a team of lawyers in drafting a private member’s bill addressing the issue of politicians buying and selling state assets.
He emphasized the need to curb practices that have persisted across administrations, including under the current Akufo-Addo regime.
Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has made further revelations after indicating that Ghanaian courts are currently embroiled in legal disputes over land that they possess.
In an interview on TV3’s The KeyPoints show, he made new information available, which reveals that 13 bungalows belonging to judges located opposite the American Embassy are no longer in sight.
“When the private developers told them that they are the new owners started demolishing, judges run to their fellow judges for an injunction. Hey, we have nowhere else to stay, save us. I have the court documents here,” he said.
The case is Judicial Service of Ghana (plaintiff) against Lands Commission, Frames Oil Company Limited and Attorney General.
“Unprecedented. Judges running to judges to save them,” he exclaimed in a sentiment expressing disbelief.
In an interview on Metro TV, the indicated that the Minister of Local Government and Decentralisation, Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah has become helpless due to government’s actions.
“So when we talk about the state capture, judges have to run to their colleague judges to save them. You wonder what is happening is there no adult in the room. Look at the Local Minister, he is helpless, he wants to protect the land. Look at this Cantoments land, government took one out of two containers. The local has to run to goverment. Now the court is in court with the government. What is going on in this country?,” he added.
In recent weeks, the MP has leveled accusations against government officials, alleging state capture.
Ablakwa specifically cited additional instances of government selling state properties, purportedly including assets belonging to the Ghana Prisons Service and the Department of Parks and Gardens.
Meanwhile, the MP has affirmed his unwavering commitment to combating state capture and government corruption, asserting that no amount of intimidation would deter him.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, has criticized the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration for transferring control of the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre to a newly incorporated private foundation.
He alleges that the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation Ghana LBG., lacking a proven track record, has been granted a 50-year management contract for the Du Bois Centre.
In a social media post on Wednesday, July 10, Ablakwa revealed that the agreement was signed on September 22, 2023, by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, and the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame.
“The W.E.B. Du Bois Centre will now be managed and totally controlled by a private entity known as the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation Ghana LBG. The transfer agreement was signed by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey and Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Hon. Godfred Yeboah Dame — both representing the Government of Ghana. They signed the transfer agreement on September 22, 2023.”
“Under the 50-year agreement, the foundation will appoint a majority of 6 board of directors while the Government of Ghana appoints only 3. The foundation will also appoint the board chairman giving them absolute control. The bizarre agreement also ensures that only 2 Government of Ghana nominees will have top management positions as the foundation enjoys an unlimited number.”
UNENDING BATTLE AGAINST STATE CAPTURE— RESISTING THE AKUFO-ADDO/BAWUMIA DUBIOUS, CRONY AND SACRILEGIOUS 50-YEAR HAND OVER OF GHANA’S ICONIC W.E.B. DU BOIS CENTRE
It appears there are no sacred groves for the perpetrators of the Government of Ghana’s mindless State Capture.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has set his sights on another term in Parliament, confident of overwhelming victory in the upcoming elections against his contender, Dr. John Elebulu of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Speaking at the press launch of the Tongu Chiefs Union in Juapong, Ablakwa expressed his conviction that Dr. Elebulu stands no chance against him.
“Dr. Elebulu is of no match to me in the upcoming parliamentary elections,” he asserted, citing the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s strong standing in the constituency and his personal popularity among constituents.
“Can you imagine if Tongu Chief Union says that a particular politician will not be given the green light to campaign, that is the end of your career, and if you are not careful you will go into early retirement, like the way my brother Eleblu will be retiring after the next elections“, he said.
Highlighting his track record, Ablakwa emphasized his commitment to the development of North Tongu. He pledged to ensure that Dr. Elebulu, a lecturer by profession, would be given a role to contribute to Tongu’s progress, despite their political rivalry.
Reflecting on past electoral victories, Ablakwa recalled his landslide wins in 2016 and 2020. In 2016, he secured 75.49% of the votes, defeating Dr. Elebulu’s father, Christopher Kofi Eleblu, who contested as an independent candidate after leaving the NDC. I
n the 2020 elections, Ablakwa widened his margin, garnering 89.71% of the total votes, showcasing a significant increase in support from previous years.
Looking forward, Ablakwa expressed confidence that voters would once again endorse his candidature, citing his proven dedication to serving the interests of North Tongu.
He vowed to continue advocating for development projects and addressing the needs of constituents, ensuring their voices are heard in parliament.
North Tongu Member of Parliament (MP) Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has expressed concerns about the delayed compensation for hundreds of victims affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage in Tongu.
He emphasized that these individuals have not received full compensation from the government even after 10 months.
Addressing Chiefs and Queen mothers of Tongu in Juapong, Mr. Ablakwa underscored the importance of upholding the fundamental human rights of the affected individuals. He noted that many residents are still living in temporary shelters, while farmers whose crops were destroyed and residents whose homes were inundated await adequate compensation.
Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that his office has obtained a letter from the Volta River Authority (VRA) indicating plans for a controlled spillage in the near future. He stressed the need for an emergency preparedness plan, alternative drainage solutions, and continued dialogue with local leaders and stakeholders to prevent a recurrence of last year’s devastating events.
Moreover, the MP mentioned that his legal team is compiling detailed information and verifying property losses to pursue rightful compensation from the VRA.
Additionally, he called on the government to prioritize the reconstruction of the Sayikope steel bridge, which collapsed on January 26, disrupting daily activities and endangering schoolchildren and pregnant women who rely on boats to cross to Adidome.
The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has asserted that the practice of government officials acquiring state properties will be halted in the next National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.
He stated that if President Akufo-Addo refuses to sign the Private Members Bill he intends to introduce, which aims to prevent government officials from acquiring state assets, former President John Mahama will sign it if elected.
Reflecting on former President Mahama’s recent media engagement, Ablakwa praised Mahama for assuring the nation that his government would not permit any member to purchase state assets.
“It is most refreshing to hear former President John Mahama assure the nation during his masterful, inspirational, sincere and intellectually stimulating engagement with the media that no member of his government will be allowed to buy state assets.
“We are convinced that even if President Akufo-Addo refuses to assent to our Private Member’s Bill prohibiting politicians and politically exposed persons from buying state assets, President Mahama will not hesitate in granting presidential assent when he wins the December 7, 2024 elections.
“Very gratifying to know that the canker of State Capture will soon be vanquished under President Mahama.”
Ablakwa expressed confidence that Mahama would approve the bill even if Akufo-Addo rejects it.
Earlier, Ablakwa vowed to oppose any government official, regardless of party affiliation, who attempts to acquire state assets.
It is most refreshing to hear former President John Mahama assure the nation during his masterful, inspirational, sincere and intellectually stimulating engagement with the media that no member of his government will be allowed to buy state assets.
We are convinced that even if…
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) July 8, 2024
He cited his longstanding opposition to state capture, noting his past legal challenge against former NPP National Chairman Jake Obetsebi Lamptey’s acquisition of state properties, despite losing that case.
“This will be my position even if the person is a member of my party,” he said on the New Day show on TV3 on Wednesday, June 19.
Ablakwa also criticized Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong’s involvement in attempting to acquire hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), alleging a conflict of interest due to Acheampong’s ministerial position during the acquisition process.
Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has stated that Ghanaian courts are currently embroiled in legal disputes over land that they possess.
Mr Ablakwa highlighted the complexities and challenges faced by the judiciary in handling cases where government actions impact land ownership.
Speaking on Metro TV he indicated that the Minister of Local Government and Decentralisation, Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah has become helpless due to government’s actions.
“So when we talk about the state capture, judges have to run to their colleague judges to save them. You wonder what is happening is there no adult in the room. Look at the Local Minister, he is helpless, he wants to protect the land. Look at this Cantoments land, government took one out of two containers. The local has to run to goverment. Now the court is in court with the government. What is going on in this country?,” he added.
In recent weeks, the MP has leveled accusations against government officials, alleging state capture.
Ablakwa specifically cited additional instances of government selling state properties, purportedly including assets belonging to the Ghana Prisons Service and the Department of Parks and Gardens.
Meanwhile, the MP has affirmed his unwavering commitment to combating state capture and government corruption, asserting that no amount of intimidation would deter him.
The Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has criticized the handling of the National Cathedral project, describing it as “hazy, sleazy, and very corrupt.”
His remarks came in response to the recent announcement by the Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Abena Osei Asare, that GH¢339 million has been allocated for the project.
According to Asare, the funds were committed to ensure the project’s necessary financing, and audits by institutions such as Deloitte Ghana indicated that there had been value for money.
However, during an interview on JoyFM’s Newsnight, Mr. Ablakwa argued that the project lacks proper accountability and has seen little progress despite the substantial investment. He emphasized that the project remains stalled and shrouded in ambiguity and corruption.
Ablakwa further criticized the Minister of State for failing to confirm whether the project had undergone the required procurement process before the release of the GH¢339 million.
He also disputed her claims of value for money, pointing out contradictions with former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s assertion that no budget allocation was made for the project and that funds were taken from the contingency vault.
“The National Cathedral project continues to be very hazy, sleazy and totally corrupt. A project with massive diversions and lack of accountability in a very grave manner,” he said.
In November 2022, Ken Ofori-Atta had denied allegations that he used money from the Consolidated Fund to finance the National Cathedral project, clarifying that the funds came from the Contingency Vault, not the Contingency Fund. He asserted that all disbursements were lawful and approved by Parliament’s Finance Committee.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has affirmed his unwavering commitment to combating state capture and government corruption, asserting that no amount of intimidation would deter him.
His statement comes in response to two separate lawsuits filed against him.
One by former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman Freddie Blay and his son, Kwame Blay, regarding defamatory claims implicating them in alleged state property theft.
Kwame Blay’s lawsuit focuses solely on Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, clarifying his non-involvement in Polo Beach Club or any affiliated entities, and his lack of dealings with Loic Devos Jnr.
Freddie Blay’s lawsuit, involving Media General and Johnnie Hughes in addition to Ablakwa, alleges malicious intent in Ablakwa’s statements, aiming to damage his reputation ahead of elections.
In response, Ablakwa, on social media, welcomed the legal challenge, particularly regarding Labadi Beach Hotel’s beachfront, asserting resilience against intimidation in the fight against state capture.
“They say better late than never — even though I am yet to be served, this is great news after many weeks of countless threats. The battle to reclaim Labadi Beach Hotel’s beachfront just got exciting. Justice does not always belong to those who are first to seek refuge in the courts — if you doubt this, ask the double identity champion. No matter the intimidation theatrics, State Capture shall surely be defeated! For God and Country. Ghana First.”
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, remains defiant in the face of defamation lawsuits filed against him by former NPP Chairman Freddie Blay and his son, Kwame Blay, as he revealed he is yet to receive formal notification despite weeks of verbal warnings.
“They say better late than never — even though I am yet to be served, this is great news after many weeks of countless threats,” Ablakwa remarked in his post on social media.
The lawsuits allege that Ablakwa falsely implicated the Blay family in the alleged theft of state property, a charge he vehemently denies.
The North Tongu MP underscored his determination to contest the accusations, particularly regarding the dispute over the Labadi Beach Hotel’s beachfront.
“The battle to reclaim Labadi Beach Hotel’s beachfront just got exciting,” he declared, hinting at his readiness to engage in legal proceedings to defend his position.
Ablakwa also took a swipe at the timing of the lawsuits, insinuating a strategic element behind their filing.
“Justice does not always belong to those who are first to seek refuge in the courts — if you doubt this, ask the double identity champion,” he asserted, alluding to perceived political tactics.
They say better late than never — even though I am yet to be served, this is great news after many weeks of countless threats.
The battle to reclaim Labadi Beach Hotel’s beachfront just got exciting.
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) July 1, 2024
Kwame Blay’s lawsuit specifically targets Ablakwa, denying any involvement in the alleged land theft or conspiracies against individuals connected to his family’s business interests. He emphasized the detrimental impact of Ablakwa’s statements on his personal reputation and business dealings.
In a broader legal front, Freddie Blay’s lawsuit extends beyond Ablakwa to include Media General and journalist Johnnie Hughes as additional defendants. Freddie Blay accuses Ablakwa of maliciously damaging his longstanding reputation, particularly given the timing close to electoral cycles.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has issued a robust response to defamation lawsuits filed against him by former NPP Chairman Freddie Blay and his son, Kwame Blay.
The lawsuits allege that Ablakwa falsely implicated them in the alleged theft of state property.
In a statement shared on social media, Mr Ablakwa expressed his reaction to the legal actions initiated against him, taking a jab at the timing of the lawsuits after weeks of threats.
He emphasized, “They say better late than never — even though I am yet to be served, this is great news after many weeks of countless threats.”
Ablakwa’s post alluded to the ongoing dispute over the Labadi Beach Hotel’s beachfront, hinting at his determination to fight the accusations in court.
He asserted, “The battle to reclaim Labadi Beach Hotel’s beachfront just got exciting. Justice does not always belong to those who are first to seek refuge in the courts — if you doubt this, ask the double identity champion.”
The North Tongu MP appeared undeterred by the legal challenges, stating defiantly, “No matter the intimidation theatrics, State Capture shall surely be defeated!”
Kwame Blay, in his lawsuit, specifically targets Ablakwa, asserting his innocence and denying any involvement in the alleged land theft or schemes against individuals linked to his brother’s businesses. He emphasized that Ablakwa’s allegations have severely impacted his business and personal reputation.
Meanwhile, Freddie Blay’s lawsuit extends beyond Ablakwa to include Media General and journalist Johnnie Hughes as additional defendants. Freddie Blay accuses Ablakwa of making malicious claims aimed at damaging his well-established reputation, particularly given the timing close to elections.
He further alleges that Media General and Johnnie Hughes amplified these false accusations during a broadcast, presenting them as facts and exacerbating the harm to his reputation.
They say better late than never — even though I am yet to be served, this is great news after many weeks of countless threats.
The battle to reclaim Labadi Beach Hotel’s beachfront just got exciting.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has unveiled additional documents purportedly exposing the true ownership of Labadi Beach Hotel’s beachfront.
Accusing the former National Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, and his son Kwame Blay of orchestrating ‘grand state capture,’ Ablakwa alleges they falsely claimed ownership of the hotel’s beachfront.
In a recent social media post on Thursday, June 27, 2024, Ablakwa shared documents outlining an agreement involving a company linked to the Blays, Labadi Beach Hotel, and a third party concerning a joint venture covering the disputed beachfront.
He questioned the inclusion of Labadi Beach Hotel in the joint venture if it did not rightfully own the beachfront, asserting that the agreement’s breach resulted in substantial financial losses for the hotel.
Despite efforts by the hotel management to reclaim the disputed beachfront after the agreement’s dissolution, they faced formidable opposition, hindering their efforts.
“Insiders at the helpless Labadi Beach Hotel now regret signing this JV as they couldn’t have predicted at the time that it was all a trap meant to give Kwame Blay initial access. Remember, the JV was violently breached, causing Labadi Beach Hotel to lose substantial revenue even ahead of Labadi losing its beachfront.
“I am also attaching a statement by the management of Labadi Beach Hotel issued on November 13, 2023, following a Bright Simmons social media post about political heavyweights encroaching on the hotel’s beachfront. From the statement, Labadi Beach Hotel’s MD promised to reclaim its beachfront — unfortunately, the forces they came up against were just too powerful,” parts of the post read.
The documents presented by the MP revealed specifics of a collaborative agreement dated November 11, 2020, involving Gold Coast Expo Limited, Press Express Logistics Limited, and Labadi Beach Hotel Limited for the operation of “the Polo Beach Club.”
“Party 1 (Gold Coast Expo) and Party 2 (Press Express Logistics) organized the Polo Beach Club (the Beach Club), a pop-up beach club, over a period of 10 days at a portion of the Labadi beach under the easement rights of Party 3 (Labadi Beach Hotel Limited) and with the approval of La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (the Assembly).
“Party 1, Party 2, and Party 3 desire to develop, finance, operate, and manage the Beach Club permanently on a joint venture basis in accordance with the terms specified in this Agreement,” part of the document reads.
It added, “NOW THEREFORE, THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSES THAT in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants and agreements herein contained and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is acknowledged by each of the Parties, the Parties covenant and agree as follows.”
The document also detailed the terms for terminating the agreement, specifying conditions such as dissolution of the joint venture and the consolidation of participant interests by one party.
View the MP’s post plus the documents he shared below:
North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has labelled President Akufo-Addo as the “chief architect” of a controversial deal involving the sale of four SSNIT Hotels to Rock City, a company owned by the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
Mr Ablakwa’s accusations come in the wake of widespread opposition to the sale, which has sparked significant public outcry and protests under the banner ‘Hands Off Our Hotels.’
Despite these protests and a meeting with organized labor earlier this week, President Akufo-Addo has refused to halt the transaction.
In a social media post on June 26, 2024, Ablakwa drew a parallel to recent events in Kenya, where massive youth protests compelled the government to withdraw a contentious finance bill that included tax increases.
The Kenyan demonstrations escalated dramatically, culminating in the burning of cars and a portion of the parliament building on June 25, 2024. Several protestors were reportedly killed by police, with many others injured. Under intense pressure, Kenyan President William Ruto reversed his stance and withdrew the tax plan.
Citing the Kenyan protests as an inspiration, Ablakwa criticized President Akufo-Addo for his role in the SSNIT hotels deal. He also condemned Elizabeth Ohene, the SSNIT board chair appointed by Akufo-Addo, for justifying the deal despite widespread opposition from Ghanaians and labor representatives on the board.
“Akufo-Addo’s appointed SSNIT board chair, Elizabeth Ohene, is also boldly justifying the stinky deal despite overwhelming opposition from Ghanaians and the protest of labour reps on her board,” Ablakwa stated.
“It’s now confirmed beyond any scintilla of doubt — President Akufo-Addo is the chief architect of all the putrefying State Capture. It’s time to declare our own version of what just happened in Kenya,” he continued.
Ablakwa has called for Ghanaians to prepare for a significant demonstration, promising a major announcement soon regarding the protest plans. He assured the public that the sale of the SSNIT hotels would be actively opposed until it is halted.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, is calling for mass demonstrations in Ghana over the sale of SSNIT hotels, drawing inspiration from the recent youth-led protests in Kenya.
The protests in Kenya successfully pressured the government to withdraw a controversial finance bill that proposed significant tax increases.
Referencing these events, Mr. Ablakwa criticized President Akufo-Addo for his unwavering support of the sale of four SSNIT Hotels to Rock City, a company owned by the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
In a social media post on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, Mr. Ablakwa highlighted that despite a meeting with organized labour earlier in the week and a demonstration dubbed ‘Hands Off Our Hotels,’ the President has maintained his stance on the sale.
Mr. Ablakwa accused the SSNIT board chair, Elizabeth Ohene, who was appointed by President Akufo-Addo, of defending the deal despite widespread opposition from Ghanaians and protests from labour representatives on the board.
He labeled President Akufo-Addo as the “chief architect” of what he describes as a controversial and unpopular deal, declaring that it is time for Ghanaians to mobilize and launch their own version of Kenya’s protests.
“President Akufo-Addo refused to stop the sale of our SSNIT hotels when he met organized labour yesterday [Tuesday],” Mr. Ablakwa stated. “Akufo-Addo’s appointed SSNIT board chair, Elizabeth Ohene, is also boldly justifying the stinky deal despite overwhelming opposition from Ghanaians and the protest of labour reps on her board.”
He urged citizens to stay tuned for a major announcement regarding plans for a significant demonstration.
“It’s now confirmed beyond any scintilla of doubt — President Akufo-Addo is the chief architect of all the putrefying State Capture. It’s time to declare our own version of what just happened in Kenya,” he posted.
The Kenyan protests escalated dramatically, leading to the burning of cars and part of the parliament building on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
Tragically, several protestors lost their lives, allegedly due to police actions, with many others injured. Facing intense pressure, Kenyan President William Ruto ultimately reversed his stance and withdrew the tax plan.
The Court of Appeal has thrown out the defamation suit brought by Reverend Victor Kusi Boateng, who seeks to prevent Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, from discussing his involvement in the National Cathedral controversy.
This marked Rev. Kusi Boateng’s third attempt to secure an injunction against the MP after two previous rejections.
Rev. Kusi Boateng, also known as Adu Gyamfi, had his earlier applications dismissed by the Human Rights Court last July and a high court decision prior to that. Both courts found insufficient grounds to grant the injunctions he sought.
According to the court on Wednesday, June 26, the grounds of appeal failed to comply with the rules of the Court of appeal, therefore said “the grounds are incompetent and inadmissible” and struck it out.
In this appeal, Rev. Kusi Boateng‘s legal team has introduced additional arguments. On Tuesday, June 25, a new panel was constituted.
However, Thaddeus Sory, representing MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, raised objections to the appeal. He contended that the panel hearing the case is not duly constituted as per constitutional requirements, which he argues compromises his client’s right to a fair trial under Article 13 of the 1992 Constitution.
The Court of Appeal dismissed the objection raised by lawyers for the North Tongu Member of Parliament.
This, according to the court, is because the objection was based on “speculative innuendo.”
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has presented compelling evidence challenging the financial integrity of Rock City Hotel.
The MP’s exposé suggests that Rock City Hotel, owned by Bryan Acheampong, Minister for Food and Agriculture, initially reported operating losses but later amended their financial records to declare a profit after Ablakwa’s revelations.
Mr Ablakwa’s disclosure comes amid his strong opposition to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust’s (SSNIT) decision to sell 60 percent of its shares in four hotels, including the more profitable Labadi Beach Hotel, to Rock City Hotel.
Mr Ablakwa substantiated his claims with documents indicating Rock City Hotel’s financial struggles, directly contradicting Acheampong’s assertions that his hotel was not operating at a loss.
“On March 12, 2021, Rock City Hotel posted returns stating they would incur losses for the year,” Ablakwa revealed during an interview on Accra-based Metro TV.
He further alleged that the hotel failed to file tax returns with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for the entire year of 2022.
According to Mr Ablakwa, it was only after his exposé brought these financial discrepancies to light that Rock City Hotel rushed to rectify their tax obligations.
Mr Ablakwa detailed how, on March 9, 2023, Rock City Hotel reported a debit adjustment for two withholding taxes amounting to GH¢20,782. However, no tax filings were made for the entire year of 2022. He questioned how the hotel managed to obtain a tax clearance certificate to participate in the SSNIT bid without filing taxes for two years.
In response to Ablakwa’s exposé, Rock City Hotel went to the GRA on May 23, 2024, and declared profits for 2022, a significant departure from their initial loss declaration.
“After my exposé, they went to the GRA and declared profits instead of losses, resulting in a tax liability of GH¢395,000. They were also fined GH¢4,390 for their late filings,” Ablakwa elaborated.
Mr Ablakwa emphasized that Rock City Hotel’s actions were reactionary to his exposé, highlighting the company’s sudden shift in financial reporting.
He noted that the hotel only filed its taxes on April 20, 2024, after the first quarter, indicating anticipated losses for that year. This raised significant concerns about their business practices.
The MP further criticized the SSNIT purchase decision, arguing that Labadi Beach Hotel, one of the hotels involved in the transaction, was notably more profitable. “Labadi Beach Hotel reported profits of one hundred and fifty-eight million, yet Rock City Hotel, which claimed it would make no profits, is now poised to buy it. This is inconsistent and troubling,” he stated.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has reacted to former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay’s recent comment that his son had expressed interest in purchasing shares of hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) in 2022.
In an interview on TV3 on June 24, 2024, Blay disclosed that his son, a prominent figure in the tourism sector, submitted a bid of not less than 200 million for approximately 7 SSNIT hotels, although his bid was ultimately rejected.
While Mr Blay did not specify the currency of his son’s bid, it was widely reported to be in United States dollars ($).
“My son is about 33, 34 (years old). He’s grown up, and involved in business. I don’t answer questions for him. But that apart, my son, if you care to know, is not just involved in hotels, he is involved in the tourism industry.
He further explained, “SSNIT offered to sell several hotels. He wanted a package and my son’s company Spartan (Ives SSA) applied alongside about twelve or so companies. He offered to buy it for over 150 to 200 million with a syndicate of banks supporting him and a well-branded hotel chain”.
Responding to this revelation, Mr Ablakwa argued that Mr Blay’s disclosure undermines claims that the majority shares of four SSNIT hotels were sold to Rock City Hotel Limited, owned by Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, who reportedly bid US$61 million.
“We were told Bryan Acheampong offered the highest bid of US$61 million; now former NPP Chairman, Freddie Blay also says his 34-year-old son offered ‘150 to 200 million’ for the SSNIT hotel,” Ablakwa wrote in a post shared on X on June 25, 2024.
In a statement issued on Sunday, May 19, SSNIT explained that Rock City Hotel Limited presented the best and strongest technical and financial proposal among the bids received, meeting the criteria outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP). The selection process was transparent and strictly adhered to the Public Procurement Act.
SSNIT emphasized that there was no favoritism in choosing Rock City Hotel Limited as the preferred investor. The decision to partner with an investor was aimed at raising capital for further investments in their hotels and improving their management.
Mr Blay, who currently chairs the Board of the Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC), made the revelation while refuting accusations of state capture by his son, Kwame Blay, who was alleged to have improperly acquired the Labadi beachfront.
Unending murkiness.
We were told Bryan Acheampong offered the highest bid of US$61million; now former NPP Chairman, Freddie Blay also says his 34 year old son offered "150 to 200 million" for the SSNIT hotels.
Tensions rose in the courtroom as lawyers representing North Tongu Member of Parliament (MP) Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa objected to a newly constituted panel hearing a contempt case brought by Reverend Kusi Boateng, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral.
The Court of Appeal was set to deliver a ruling on a defamation suit filed by Rev. Kusi Boateng, aiming to restrain the MP from discussing him in relation to the National Cathedral issue. This marked Rev. Kusi Boateng’s third attempt to restrain the MP, following two previous failures.
However, when the panel convened, Thaddeus Sory, lead counsel for Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, raised objections to the newly constituted panel, arguing that it was unconstitutional and would undermine a fair hearing.
Sory pointed out that the original panel included two justices who were absent from the new panel sitting on Tuesday, June 25. He emphasized that Justice Dzemefe had assured his return after sitting on a different panel earlier that day but was absent when the new panel convened.
The objection led to a heated exchange, with Sory alleging potential undue influence on the case due to the transfer of the high court judge who dismissed Rev. Kusi Boateng’s contempt application. However, this claim was refuted by a panel member and Rev. Kusi Boateng’s lawyer, Bobby Banson.
The panel, after conferring, scheduled Wednesday, June 26, to deliver a ruling on the objection. The outcome will determine whether the court will proceed to hear Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s application to strike out Rev. Kusi Boateng’s application or if the original panel will be reinstated.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has commended the Ghana Prisons Service for their unwavering courage and steadfast commitment to defending the nation’s interests in the face of adversity.
In a heartfelt statement released today, Mr Ablakwa praised the Prisons Service for their resilience in the ongoing land litigation involving Professor Kwaku Appiah-Adu, the Senior Policy Advisor to Vice President Bawumia.
“Today, I celebrate the Ghana Prisons Service for their remarkable courage and infectious love for country,” Ablakwa declared, acknowledging the Service’s enduring struggle against what he described as “threats, intimidation, and abuse of political power.”
The land dispute dates back to 2005 when Prof. Appiah-Adu and the Lands Commission claimed that President Kufuor instructed the Lands Commission to allocate portions of the Roman Ridge land, belonging to the Prisons Service, to Prof. Appiah-Adu.
Mr Ablakwa highlighted this history, pointing out the Prisons Service’s steadfast resistance against attempts to encroach upon their land.
He further noted recent events where Prof. Appiah-Adu allegedly utilized national security operatives to demolish a wall constructed by the Prisons Service to secure their land.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including court processes, the Prisons Service has remained resolute in their defense of the national interest.
“The top hierarchy of the Service have demonstrated that even appointees of the same government can confront each other in the national interest,” Ablakwa remarked, urging other state institutions to draw inspiration from the Prisons Service’s example in combating what he termed “marauding State Capture.”
Ablakwa’s tribute to the Prisons Service comes amidst heightened tensions surrounding the land litigation and underscores the broader significance of the case in the fight against corruption and abuse of power in Ghana.
In conclusion, Mr Ablakwa expressed solidarity with the Prisons Service, declaring, “Majority of Ghanaians stand with this bold and patriotic men and women in prison’s uniform. State Capture shall surely be defeated!”
Today, I celebrate the Ghana Prisons Service for their remarkable courage and infectious love for country.
Since 2005 when Prof. Kwaku Appiah-Adu and the Lands Commission claimed President Kufuor instructed the Lands Commission to hand over portions of the Roman Ridge land… pic.twitter.com/tVTjFDCZDo
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) June 25, 2024
Member of Parliament forNorth Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwahas advised Dani Ike Estate Developers Limited to request for a refund in a suspected sale of state property Parks and Gardens to their firm.
In an X (formerly Twitter) post on Wednesday June 23, 2024 the outspoken Member f Parliament commended the officials in charge of the Park for their resistance to the said firm in their bid to claim ownership of the state’s property.
“Dani Ike Estate Developers Limited are well advised to stop the harassment and go for a refund from whoever sold our prime Cantonments land belonging to Parks and Gardens to them.
I commend officials of the Department of Parks and Gardens for their courageous and patriotic resistance so far” he noted.
Dani Ike Estate Developers Limited are well advised to stop the harassment and go for a refund from whoever sold our prime Cantonments land belonging to Parks and Gardens to them.
I commend officials of the Department of Parks and Gardens for their courageous and patriotic… pic.twitter.com/mUozpEP9kO
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) June 23, 2024
Highlighting the significant importance of the Garden in the restoration of Ghana’s vegetative cover, he mentioned how the park has served as “active green open space where diverse tree species are cultivated, and other seedlings are nursed to meet our national environmental objectives” since its allocation to us by our colonial master in 1952.
“The 10.8 acres Parks and Gardens land was allocated on 2nd October, 1952 by the then colonial Commissioner of Lands as our foremost Horticultural Nursery” he added.
Consequently, Ablakwa has vowed to fight against the sale of the the over 65 years old vegetative cover, assuring a Parliamentary inquiry into the alleged sale of Parks and Gardens.
“We shall never allow ourParks and Gardens land to be sold!Parliament will soon launch an inquiry into the ongoing despicable state capture and all those harassing public officials to vacate because they are the new owners should get ready to appear before us at live public hearings.
Ugly State Capture shall be defeated!” he stated.
The Department of Parks and Gardens in Ghana was established in 1961, primarily to enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban areas and to promote environmental sustainability.
It was founded during the tenure of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who recognized the importance of green spaces for improving the quality of life in cities.
The department’s mandate includes the creation and maintenance of public parks, gardens, and recreational spaces. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in landscaping major urban centers, providing botanical services, and contributing to environmental education and conservation efforts.
Despite facing challenges such as funding and urbanization pressures, the Department of Parks and Gardens remains a key institution in Ghana’s efforts to promote green urban environments.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has filed a Right to Information (RTI) application with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).
His request seeks information regarding Rock City’s Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Tax Clearance Certificate.
Ablakwa alleged that Rock City Hotel, owned by Ghana’s Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, did not file tax returns for 2021 and 2022 despite bidding for a 60% stake in four SSNIT-owned hotels.
He argued this violates the Income Tax Act, 2015 (Act 896) and SSNIT’s Pre-Qualification Criteria, which should have led to Rock City’s disqualification.
In addition to the tax issues, Ablakwa has also requested the complete evaluation report and minutes of all tender committee meetings related to the hotel sale.
Highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability, Ablakwa urged SSNIT to promptly fulfill his RTI requests.
“Evidence that the Rock City Hotel Limited’s (with registration number CS075262016) bid for SSNIT’s hotels complied with the Income Tax Act, 2015 (Act 896) and SSNIT’s own pre-qualification criteria as advertised for Project Number: GR/SSNIT/CS/0001/2022 which mandated all bidders to present a valid Ghana Revenue Authority Tax Clearance Certificate.”
“This request has become imperative considering that Rock City’s record at GRA, which is now available to me, incontrovertibly confirms that Rock City did not file its annual tax returns in the fiscal years of 2021 and 2022. Indeed, Rock City’s attempt to file their annual tax returns for the years in issue were carried out belatedly in 2023 and 2024 respectively, long after SSNIT’s advertised deadline of 23rd March 2022.”
“The unimpeachable records also show that Rock City was fined an amount of GHS 4,390.00 by GRA as a penalty for filing the 2022 tax returns two years late, that is on May 23, 2024,” am excerpt of his petition said.
My RTI request to SSNIT demanding the following information:
1) Evidence of Rock City’s GRA Tax Clearance Certificate as Rock City could not have produced a valid one during the tender because they had not filed their tax returns for 2021 and 2022. Per the provisions of the… pic.twitter.com/ZbJMCYDQ7O
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) June 24, 2024
Following the “Hands Off Our Hotel” protest, President Akufo-Addo has arranged a meeting with Organised Labour on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, to discuss the controversial sale of SSNIT hotels.
This announcement was made by North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa during an interview on TV3’s KeyPoints on Saturday, June 22.
“Organised Labour has informed me that the President has invited them to a meeting on the 25th of this month, which is Tuesday,” Mr. Ablakwa revealed, expressing his hope that the meeting will not be an attempt to persuade Organised Labour to retreat from their opposition to the sale.
Mr. Ablakwa voiced his frustration, stating, “I’m so disappointed in this President that he has taken so long to intervene in this scandalous matter and just stop this rot.”
Amid mounting concerns, President Akufo-Addo has invited Organised Labour for a meeting on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, to discuss SSNIT’s controversial decision to sell 60 percent of its shares in several hotels.
These include prominent establishments like Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Beach Hotel, Ridge Royal Hotel, and Busua Beach Hotel, with Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong identified as the buyer.
The issue gained traction following a demonstration led by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, under the banner “Hands Off Our Hotels.”
Ablakwa presented a petition urging the President to intervene and halt the sale.
During the demonstration, Ablakwa raised concerns about the suitability ofBryan Acheampong’s Rock City Hotelsas the buyer, citing alleged financial losses and failure to file tax returns for 2022 based on documents purportedly intercepted from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
In response, Bryan Acheampong denied to substantiate his claims with the alleged intercepted documents from GRA.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has voiced strong objections to the National Investigation Bureau (NIB), a state intelligence institution, conducting a poll funded by taxpayers to select a running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Mr Ablakwa criticized the government for using a state institution to conduct a poll about the selection of a running mate for its flagbearer.
He argued that if the government wants to conduct such a poll, it should use party funds and engage academics or other organizations, rather than using state funds.
“There are so many organizations in this country, academics in the universities – go and engage them with your party money – dues from your members. Don’t use our organization, a state-run organization run with our taxes. This is abuse of office,” he emphasized.
Mr Ablakwa’s remarks follow reports that the NIB conducted a survey on a potential running mate for the NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The survey indicated that Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh was widely preferred over Education Minister Dr. Osei Adutwum and other party members as the running mate.
Mr Ablakwa questioned the relevance of conducting such a poll for a governing party’s running mate and emphasized that the job of the NIB is to prioritize the national security interests of the country.
“How does choosing NAPO, Adutwum or whoever become relevant to the national security interest of our country? Serious mandate given to this body and you go about conducting NPP polls – with my taxpayer’s money? How do they expect NDC members to feel, neutrals to feel? That’s what they are doing with our taxes,” he added.
David Vondee, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Twifo Atti Morkwa, has apologized for his earlier defense of under-fire Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong regarding the planned purchase of a major stake in hotels belonging to the state-owned pensions outfit, SSNIT, by Acheampong’s company, Rock City Hotels.
Vondee had initially defended Acheampong, stating in an interview on Asempa FM that the minister was a friend and businessman who was unfairly targeted in the public tender process for the hotels. However, he has now made a U-turn on his stance.
In a recent interview on pro-NDC radio station, Power FM, Vondee apologized and retracted his support for the minister. He expressed full support for North Tongu MP, Okudzeto Ablakwa’s campaign against the purchase of state assets by politicians, a position he emphasized was also supported by NDC Flagbearer for the 2024 polls, John Dramani Mahama.
“I apologize to the rank and file of all the NDC members who felt that what I said was unpalatable. I apologize to them and I take my words back totally,” he stated.
“I didn’t mean to hurt the NDC and I am not opposed to Okudzeto Ablakwa. I stand by the position of non-purchase of state assets by politicians as championed by John Mahama and his running mate,” he emphasized.
Vondee also revealed that he had sponsored some of the people who attended the #HandsOffOurHotels demonstration led by Ablakwa earlier in the week.
He clarified that a viral tape of his earlier support for the minister had been truncated and did not reflect his broader and known position on the matter.
“I am very differing on the Bryan issue. Bryan is my friend so I talk about it differently. If you are selling something and I seek to buy it legally, under normal circumstances, I will buy it.
“So why is SSNIT that is seeking to sell our property being excused? And I don’t know how the NDC will understand me. Why is SSNIT being left off the hook and Bryan is being attacked frontally?
“By all standards, Bryan is a businessman, I am a businessman, if you think you don’t want to sell the hotels, stop the deal. The fact is that it is not good for the young man’s business,” he submitted on Accra-based Asempa FM on June 19.
Watch the video of Vondee’s apology and retraction.
Former National Chairman of theNew Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay,expressed opposition to the idea of SSNIT seeking approval or consultations before making investments in other businesses.
In an interview with TV3’s Beatrice Adu on The Keypoints, Mr. Blay argued that SSNIT operates with its own board, which should have the autonomy to make decisions independently.
Regarding concerns raised by Organised Labour about their representatives on the board opposing SSNIT’s sale of the hotels, Mr. Blay emphasized that decisions of such significance cannot be dictated solely by a minority within the board.
He defended SSNIT’s transparency in publicly advertising the sale of the hotels, stating that such actions are within the board’s prerogative and are binding on all stakeholders involved.
“SSNIT decided to get involve with hotel management and purchased some hotels… I don’t believe they want to consult TUC before they do that…When you have a decision and they take a decision , the decision is binding; it is one decision…I will be surprise that four members of a board taking a decision that we don’t want one hotel to be sold.
“I can’t question the decision of SSNIT because government appointed members. I don’t have any problem with that if they decide that as a policy….indeed I’m not too sure when they decided, some tell me that they decided to dispose it as far back as 2015, 2016 when NDC was in office.
Mr. Blay stressed that he would have purchased the hotels being sold if he has the financial muscle.
North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has raised serious allegations against Rock City Hotel, asserting that the establishment did not file taxes for two years yet managed to obtain a tax clearance certificate.
Mr Ablakwa produced documents to support his claims, emphasizing that the hotel, located in the Eastern Region, has been incurring significant losses.
Earlier, Ablakwa stated that Rock City Hotel was unprofitable and mentioned he had documents to substantiate his assertion. This claim was met with strong opposition from the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, who owns Rock City Hotel. Acheampong dismissed Ablakwa’s claims, challenging him to provide evidence.
“Rock City is not making losses. There is no one anywhere who can say that Rock City is making losses. I saw Okudzeto and Sammy Gyamfi in the studio exaggerating. Okudzeto was in a smock exaggerating that Rock City is making losses and that he has intercepted documents from GRA,” Bryan Acheampong stated.
In response to this challenge, Ablakwa presented his evidence on Accra-based Metro TV. He detailed that on March 12, 2021, Rock City Hotel reported to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) that they would make losses for that year.
“Then two years later, they returned on the 9th of March 2023 and did a debit adjustment that they had two withholding taxes, which came up to 20,782. And that’s all you have for 2021. So they told the GRA on the 12th of March that that year, they will make losses,” Ablakwa said.
Ablakwa further noted that for the year 2022, there were no tax filings at all. He revealed that it was only after he exposed this issue and reported to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) on May 17 that Rock City Hotel rushed to the GRA.
“So you see here, 23rd May 2024 that – we now want to come and make do our tax obligations for 2022, for two years ago,” he added.
Ablakwa clarified that Rock City Hotel should have filed their taxes by June 2023 but failed to do so, which by the rules necessitates a penalty.
He emphasized that when Rock City Hotel submitted their bid, they clearly did not have a tax clearance certificate. After his exposure, they hurriedly went to the GRA on May 23, 2024, and initially reported losses for 2022.
However, the same day, they amended their records to report a profit, incurring a tax liability of 395,000 Ghana cedis and a penalty of 4,390 Ghana cedis.
Ablakwa questioned how Rock City Hotel obtained a tax clearance certificate to participate in the bid despite not filing taxes for two years. He highlighted the inconsistencies in the hotel’s tax filings and the timing of their actions following his revelations.
“According to the SSNIT statement that was put out on the 19th of May, a copy of which I have here, if you look at the timelines, they said they started this process in 2018 and got the transaction advice in 2018. Then they started the bid for the hotel purchase, the tender, for the sale of the hotels in 2022. So you hadn’t filed your taxes for two years. How did they get a tax clearance certificate to participate in the bid?” Ablakwa questioned.
Furthermore, Ablakwa disclosed that in 2023, Rock City Hotel filed their taxes on April 20, declaring that they would make losses that year. He pointed out the discrepancy between the hotel’s financial reports and their bid to purchase Labadi Beach Hotel, which is known to be profitable.
“So when I said that what you [Rock City Hotel] have told GRA about your operations last year – that you will make no profits and you are now going to buy a Labadi Beach Hotel – making a profit of one hundred and fifty-eight million, it should have been the other way round. Labadi Beach Hotel is more profitable. I was speaking to the documents, I was speaking to the intercepted filling at the GRA,” Ablakwa said.
He concluded by revealing that on March 31, 2024, Rock City Hotel informed the GRA that they did not expect to make a profit that year.
However, after his petition to CHRAJ, they returned on May 24, 2024, to adjust their records, indicating that they believed things were looking better.
Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has alleged that the government is forcing prison officers who are stationed along the Osu stretch in Accra to move out of their current barracks.
In an interview with TV3, Ablakwa claimed that the government has instructed prison officers in Osu to vacate their barracks by July this year as the facility has been sold to private developers.
This move, he asserts, aligns with the administration’s broader agenda of privatizing public assets.
In addition, Ablakwa revealed that lands under the Parks and Gardens Department have also been sold.
He disclosed that an insider informed him about this transaction, detailing how employees were confronted by individuals claiming to be the new owners of the land.
“Are you aware that the parks and gardens have been sold? They called me that they went to work one day and some people showed up that they are the new owners, go to Prisons near Osu roundabout, the barracks they have given up to July to vacate because they have sold it to private developers. Go to Airport, all the way to DVLA, all of that trucks of lands are all gone. There are some doctors at Ridge hospitals and others who have told me that their bungalows have been sold, they now have to go and leave far away, if there is an emergency how will they help?,” he added.
Expressing alarm over these developments, Ablakwa highlighted the importance of preserving public lands designated for recreational and environmental purposes.
He criticized the lack of transparency surrounding these transactions and called for a thorough investigation to uncover the parties involved and determine the legality of the sales.
Known for his vocal activism, Ablakwa recently led a protest titled ‘Hands off our Hotels’ on June 18, 2024.
The demonstration aimed to urge the government to halt the sale of 60 percent shares in four SSNIT-owned hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
Ablakwa has announced a second phase of the protest in the Central Region, reassuring residents that their concerns about the sale of Elmina Beach Hotel and Ridge Royal Hotel have been acknowledged and will be addressed.
Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has stated that bungalows belonging to Ridge Hospital have been sold off.
According to him, the doctors’ relocation could potentially hinder their ability to provide prompt and effective medical assistance during critical situations.
Speaking to TV3, Ablakwa asserted that the government has directed prison officers in Osu to vacate their barracks by July this year, citing the sale of the facility to private developers as the reason.
He indicated that this action is part of the government’s broader agenda to privatize public assets.
Furthermore, Ablakwa disclosed that lands under the Parks and Gardens Department have also been sold.
He explained that he received information from an insider who detailed how employees were surprised by individuals claiming ownership of the land.
He highlighted the critical impact of such transactions on public lands designated for recreational and environmental purposes, emphasizing the need to preserve them.
“Are you aware that the parks and gardens have been sold? They called me that they went to work one day and some people showed up that they are the new owners. They went to Prisons near Osu roundabout, the barracks they have given up to July to vacate because they have sold it to private developers.
“Go to Airport, all the way to DVLA, all of those trucks of land are all gone. There are some doctors at Ridge hospitals and others who have told me that their bungalows have been sold, they now have to go and leave far away, if there is an emergency how will they help?,” he added.
Ablakwa criticized the lack of transparency surrounding these sales and called for a comprehensive investigation to uncover the legality and parties involved in these transactions.
Known for his outspoken activism, Ablakwa recently organized a protest titled ‘Hands off our Hotels’ on June 18, 2024.
The protest aimed to halt the government’s plan to sell 60 percent shares in four SSNIT-owned hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
Ablakwa has also announced plans for a second phase of the protest in the Central Region, assuring residents that their concerns regarding the sale of Elmina Beach Hotel and Ridge Royal Hotel will be addressed.
Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has hinted that lands under the Parks and Gardens have been sold out by the Akufo-Addo-led administration.
In a recent interview with TV3, Ablakwa disclosed that he was informed by an insider about the transaction.
According to Ablakwa, insider revealed that employees were confronted by individuals claiming to be the new owners of the land.
“Are you aware that the parks and gardens have been sold? They called me that they went to work one day and some people showed up that they are the new owners,” he added.
Ablakwa expressed his alarm over this development, highlighting the importance of preserving public lands designated for recreational and environmental purposes.
He criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the transactions and called for a thorough investigation into the matter to uncover the parties involved and the legality of the sales.
Ablakwa, known for his vocal activism, recently led a protest titled ‘Hands off our Hotels’ on June 18, 2024.
The demonstration was aimed at urging the government to halt the sale of 60 percent shares in four SSNIT-owned hotels to Rock City Hotel, which is owned by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
He has also announced a second phase of the protest in the Central Region, reassuring residents that their concerns about the sale of Elmina Beach Hotel and Ridge Royal Hotel have been acknowledged and will be addressed.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu and leader of the ‘Hands off our Hotels’ demonstration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced plans for a second protest in the Central Region.
Following the June 18 demonstration demanding the government halt the sale of 60 percent shares in four SSNIT-owned hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by Minister Bryan Acheampong, Ablakwa took to Facebook on June 20 to announce the upcoming protest.
Ablakwa assured the people of the Central Region that their concerns regarding the sale of Elmina Beach Hotel and Ridge Royal Hotel had been acknowledged.
He stated,”May I respectfully assure the revered chiefs and good people of the Central Region who have called us for a patriotic partnership to stage the next #HandsOffOurHotels demonstration since they are vehemently opposed to the sale of Elmina Beach Hotel and Ridge Royal Hotel both in the Central Region that we have unanimously agreed and resolved to hold a similar massive protest in the Central Region if President Akufo-Addo fails to stop the sales within the next few days,” Ablakwa posted.
Patients with kidney diseases are turning to private hospitals for dialysis after some public hospitals closed their renal units.
Despite higher costs, these patients report better service and treatment at private facilities.
Managing kidney disease often means enduring biweekly dialysis sessions, a demanding regimen exacerbated by current challenges at many public centers.
This has prompted a shift in preferences for many patients.
Kwame (pseudonym), for instance, traveled from Cape Coast to Accra for dialysis due to his local hospital’s closure.
“I came here because we had problem at our unit at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. There has been a problem of quality-of-service delivery. So, the authority decided to close it down,” he said.
“I can’t put my life at risk, so I prefer the private one to the government sector, even if in Cape Coast they have a private one I will opt for the private one,” he said.
“Coming from Cape Coast to Accra to do this, I have to spent more than GHC1,600. The facility is taking GHC660, T&T in and out. With our condition, we’re always tired and you can’t join the trotro, you will opt for an Uber or private vehicle, so it’s very expensive,” he lamented.
Despite the National Health Insurance Authority’s promise of subsidies for patients like him, the directive remains unimplemented, adding to his challenges.
Private hospitals have seen a surge in patients since issues with public hospital renal units arose.
Freda Mensah, an administrator at Providence Specialist Hospital in Accra, noted an increase in patient numbers despite maintaining their GHC660 fee.
Clearly, patients with kidney diseases need urgent steps from the NHIA to ease their treatment burdens.
In a recent social media post dated June 19, 2024, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has made further allegations against Kwaw Worsemao Blay, son of former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, Freddie Blay.
Ablakwa published company registration documents showing that Kwaw Worsemao Blay’s company, Spartan-Ives Limited, was among the shortlisted entities in the controversial sale of Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) hotels.
The MP’s post suggests that Kwaw Blay’s involvement in the SSNIT hotels sale comes after his alleged legal battle over a popular beachfront belonging to the state-owned Labadi Beach Hotel.
Ablakwa’s post reads, “Apparently, Freddie Blay’s son, Kwaw, has bigger plans for Labadi Beach Hotel beyond controlling its lucrative beachfront.”
He further states, “This latest information pointing to a spirited effort by Mr. Kwaw Blay to purchase SSNIT’s hotels after his infamous beachfront encroachment is certainly bound to create fresh credibility crisis for Mr. Freddie Blay who claimed only last week, amidst issuing threats, that his sons have never been interested in capturing or owning SSNIT’s hotels.”
Ablakwa has dared Freddie Blay to proceed to court over the allegations he has put out so far. He recently led a protest against the planned sale of some SSNIT hotels to Rock City Limited, a hotel conglomerate owned by agric minister Bryan Acheampong, and has submitted a 15-point petition to the presidency demanding the sale be canceled.
He is also pushing a private members’ bill against public officials buying state assets.
The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, has refuted claims that his hotel, Rock City, is experiencing losses, describing such assertions as unfounded.
The controversy stems from the proposed sale of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust’s (SSNIT) stake in several hotels to Rock City, owned by the Minister.
Mr. Acheampong dismissed the claims made by North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stating, “Rock City is not making losses. There is no one anywhere who can say that Rock City is making losses.”
He criticized Mr. Ablakwa and Sammy Gyamfi for exaggerating the situation, alleging that Mr. Ablakwa’s assertions were baseless.
“I dare Okudzeto to bring out the documents he claims to have intercepted from GRA” – Hon. Bryan Acheampong responds to the claims made by Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa against Rock City.#TV3GHpic.twitter.com/Sd8W4Qv3YX
Mr. Ablakwa had earlier indicated that documents he had intercepted showed that Rock City was unprofitable, challenging the notion that Mr. Acheampong possessed expertise in hotel management.
He accused Mr. Acheampong of state capture, arguing that Rock City had incurred losses and failed to pay taxes in 2023.
In response, Mr. Acheampong questioned Mr. Ablakwa’s claims, stating that Rock City had not filed its 2023 taxes yet, contrary to Mr. Ablakwa’s assertions.
He labeled Mr. Ablakwa’s statements as lies and fabrications, daring him to provide evidence to support his claims.
The controversy surrounding the proposed sale of SSNIT’s stake in several hotels to Rock City has sparked public outrage, leading to a demonstration dubbed “Hands Off Our Hotels.”
The protest, organized by Mr. Ablakwa, aimed to pressure the government to halt the sale, which protesters argue constitutes an abuse of power.
The demonstration, which saw hundreds of participants gathering at the Labadi Beach Hotel, received support from civil society organizations, concerned citizens, and opposition political groups.
The protesters called for transparency and accountability in the sale of state-owned properties and urged the government to reconsider its decision.
Spokesperson and communications director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akomea has downplayed the essence of the #Handsoffourhotels demo which was held yesterday June 18, 2024 at the Labadi Beach Hotel.
Organized by North Tongu Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the protest aimed to oppose the sale of Social Security and National Insurance Trust’s (SSNIT) 60% stake in four hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by Member of Parliament for Abetifi Bryan Acheampong.
Ablakwa cited lack of due process and violation of procurement procedures in the sale.
However, member of Dr Bawumia’s campaign communications team member, believes the protest was unnecessary as the North Tongu MP had already presented the case to Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).
It is an independent government agency in Ghana responsible for promoting and protecting human rights, investigating complaints of human rights violations, and addressing issues related to administrative justice.
Speaking on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo morning show on Tuesday June 18, 2024 Nana Akomea stated that “I mean the case is with CHRAJ hence I don’t see the need for a demonstration. You have gone ahead to organise a demonstration when the case is still in the hands CHRAJ”.
According to him, the discontent, strife, and anger surrounding the Rock City Hotel owner’s purchase of shares in the Labadi Beach Hotel are due to his political affiliations.
He cited an expectation of a different reaction if the purchaser had been someone politically neutral or of a different political persuasion.
“I accept that the person who won the bid for the shares in the hotel sis the problem now. Because whatever you do Bryan is a senior member of the party. Hence assets owned by SSNIT being sold to him would become a problem because he is politically exposed.
When he is taken out, we have to look at the objective figures”.
Derailing Ablakwa’s claims of lack of transparency and murky in SSNIT dealings with Bryan’s Rock City Hotel, Akomea believes that “good look at SSNIT approach and mechanism of dealing with this sale is so transparent”.
Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called for the removal of the board of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), accusing them of ignoring calls to stop the sale of hotels to Agric Minister Bryan Acheampong.
Speaking on the New Day show on TV3, Ablakwa insisted that the entire SSNIT board should be dissolved for their lack of responsiveness to labor concerns.
He emphasized the need for a majority of board members to represent organized labor to prevent political interference and ensure SSNIT operates in the best interest of workers.
Ablakwa also stated his opposition to any government official, regardless of party affiliation, acquiring state assets, citing his long-standing stance against what he terms “state capture.”
“That whole board must be dissolved, how can labour ask you to stop the sale of the hotels and you are not stopping, SSNIT has been so unresponsive,” he said on the New Day show on TV3 Wednesday, June 19.
“We have to change the SSNIT Law, the majority of the board members should be organized labour representatives, at least labour should appoint the chair,” he said.
He raised concerns about a conflict of interest involving Agric Minister Bryan Acheampong in the SSNIT hotels sale, pointing out that Acheampong’s company, Rock City, won the bid for the hotels while he was a Minister of State.
Ablakwa has petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate this matter, organizing demonstrations and voicing public outrage over what he perceives as irregularities in the transaction.
In response, Richard Ahiagbah of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) defended the process, arguing that the procurement to sell SSNIT’s hotel shares to Rock City began in 2018, long before Acheampong became Minister for Food and Agriculture.
He dismissed claims of conflict of interest, asserting that the process has been transparent and above board.
The controversy continues to unfold as Ablakwa and supporters demand accountability and transparency in the handling of SSNIT’s assets.
Organizer of the ‘Hands Off Our Hotels’ demonstration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed his disappointment with the police for their treatment of some demonstrators.
“Let me condemn what the police did, this is a peaceful march, our people conducted themselves well so why do you fire tear gas on innocent civilians? Now we have to rush a few to the hospital?
“The Police will be held accountable if anything happens to them. They can’t take the law into their own hands and intimidate innocent citizens.”
He emphasized that the police would be held accountable for any harm caused to the demonstrators. “They cannot take the law into their own hands and intimidate innocent citizens.”
The police halted the demonstration protesting the sale of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) hotels midway through their march on Tuesday, June 19.
Instead of reaching the agreed endpoint at Christ The King, they were stopped on the Switchback Road in Cantonments, Accra.
“Is this the Christ the King?” He questioned the Police while speaking on the New Central on TV3.
He added that some protesters had been taken to the hospital for treatment after being affected by the tear gas.
“Some of the demonstrators have been rushed to the hospital. If anything happens to any demonstrators we will hold the Police accountable,” he said.
North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has successfully petitioned President Akufo-Addo over the sale of Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) hotels to Ghana’s Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
On Tuesday, June 18, representatives of the President received the petition on behalf of Nana Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House.
Reading out the petition, Mr Ablakwa asked the president to halt the sale of the hotels as it was not in the interest of the country. He also called on the president to investigate government officials who deliberately sabotage state institutions in order for politicians to acquire them.
He believes sanctioning and relieving such individuals of their positions will serve as deterrent to others.
Meanwhile, several individuals who partook in today’s protest have been hospitalised.
The protest, organized by North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, saw tensions escalate when police used pepper spray and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Ablakwa confirmed that some of the injured protesters have been transported to a health facility for treatment.
According to him, some protestors collapsed after being pepper sprayed without provocation. He was not able to indicate the exact hospitals they were sent to. He however noted that he will engage his team and visit the victims at the health centres they have been admitted to
The demonstration aimed to halt the sale of four SSNIT hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited, a company owned by Bryan Acheampong.
In a fervent address, Mr. Ablakwa expressed his determination to prevent the sale. “It has become the whole of Ghana versus the few lootocrats who are determined to continue with their state capture, and I am clear in my mind that they will have no choice but to listen,” he said.
“Even if you don’t listen and you try to sell this hotel, how are they going to have access to the hotel? How? Because we will block that access. These are our assets, and we are saying you haven’t consulted us.”
He further emphasized, “Rest assured, we are confident these hotels will not be sold.”
North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed that some individuals who thronged the streets of Accra to protest the sale of Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) hotels to Ghana’s Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, have been hospitalised.
Tensions escalated earlier today as police deployed pepper spray and tear gas to disperse demonstrators protesting.
Engaging the media, Mr Ablakwa noted that some of the victims have been transported to a health facility for treatment.
According to him, some protestors collapsed after being pepper sprayed without provocation. He was not able to indicate the exact hospitals they were sent to. He however noted that he will engage his team and visit the victims at the health centres they have been admitted to.
The protest, organized by North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, aims to halt the sale of four SSNIT hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited, owned by Ghana’s Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
Meanwhile, Mr Ablakwa has declared his determination to block any attempt to finalize the sale.
In a passionate address to the media, Ablakwa stated, “It has become the whole of Ghana versus the few lootocrats who are determined to continue with their state capture, and I am clear in my mind that they will have no choice but to listen. Even if you don’t listen and you try to sell this hotel, how are they going to have access to the hotel? How? Because we will block that access. These are our assets, and we are saying you haven’t consulted us.”
Reiterating his commitment, he added, “Rest assured, we are confident these hotels will not be sold.”
Police pepper spray protestors against sale of SSNIT hotels. #HandsOffOurHotel
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has taken a firm stand against the sale of four Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited, owned by Ghana’s Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
Leading a demonstration today, Ablakwa has declared his determination to block any attempt to finalize the sale.
In a passionate address to the media, Ablakwa stated, “It has become the whole of Ghana versus the few lootocrats who are determined to continue with their state capture, and I am clear in my mind that they will have no choice but to listen. Even if you don’t listen and you try to sell this hotel, how are they going to have access to the hotel? How? Because we will block that access. These are our assets, and we are saying you haven’t consulted us.”
Reiterating his commitment, he added, “Rest assured, we are confident these hotels will not be sold.”
The protest, organized for today, aims to compel President Akufo-Addo to intervene and prevent the sale of the SSNIT hotels.
Ablakwa also mentioned that he expects officials from the presidency to meet the demonstrators and receive their petition for submission to the president.
SSNIT Hotels saga
In a recent commentary on the matter, Ablakwa shared an internal memo between the agri-minister Bryan Acheampong’s Rock City Hotels Limited and the state-owned pensions company, SSNIT.
The “SSNIT-ROCK CITY GROUP SALE OF STAKE IN SSNIT HOTELS NEGOTIATION” paper provided a predetermined selling position for each of the hotels in question, including Elmina Beach Resort, La Palm Royal, Ridge Royal, and Labadi Beach Hotel.
According to SSNIT’s appraisal, the combined value of all four hotels was more than US$121 million, although Rock City’s offer was just US$61.2 million.
“The SSNIT memos in my possession reveal that SSNIT’s objective expectations based on valuation reports of 60% stake in the 4 hotels (Labadi, La Palm, Ridge Royal & Elmina) range from a minimum value of US$80,406,630.00 to a maximum of US$121,315,643.00.
“From the intercepted memos, Hon. Bryan Acheampong’s Rock City offer fell far below the minimum value of the 4 hotels. Hon. Bryan Acheampong’s below par bid was US$61,200,000.00,” he added.
He noted the significant losses that SSNIT stood to make if they pushed ahead with accepting the Rock City offer.
Ablakwa was the first to report on the planned sale of SSNIT’s stake in the said hotels and has since adduced evidence to prove the deal was against the interest of the state and pensioners in particular.
He has also filed a petition at CHRAJ to probe possible conflict of interest over the minister’s role in Rock City and his political position as minister and Member of Parliament.
The La Wulomo, Nuumo Yemoh Obroni VIII, and some Ga traditional authorities have joined hundreds of Ghanaians, including Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for North Tongu, leading a demonstration against the sale of four Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited, owned by Ghana’s Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
The protest happening today, Tuesday, June 18, is to compel the president to prevent the sale of these hotels.
During the early period of the protest, the Nuumo Yemoh Obroni VIII poured libation and according to an interpreter at the scene, the Ga Wulomo rained curses on government officials who have decided to illegally covert state facilities and resources.
Mr. Ablakwa confirmed during a news conference at the press centre on Monday, June 17, that all arrangements for the demonstration are complete.
He emphasized the peaceful nature of the protest and warned that individuals attempting to incite chaos would be dealt with by the Ghana Police Service.
He also mentioned that he anticipates officials from the presidency will meet the demonstrators and receive their petition for submission to the president.
The demonstration is seen as crucial in ensuring that the sale does not proceed, with Mr. Ablakwa highlighting the urgency and significance of their cause.
Members of the “Hands Off Our Hotels Demo” converged at the Labadi Beach Hotel to start their demonstration.
The demo, led by #NDC MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto #Ablakwa, aims to challenge President Akufo-Addo’s administration to halt the sale of four hotels SSNIT).
The upcoming ‘Hands Off Our Hotels’ demonstration is set to become a focal point for those opposing the sale of a 60% stake in six hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) in Ghana. Scheduled for Tuesday, June 17, the protest has already garnered significant attention.
Leading the charge is Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu and a convener of the demonstration. Ablakwa has not only petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) against the sale but has also been vocal in his opposition, labeling the sale to Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong as an abuse of power.
In a recent address to the media, Ablakwa emphasized the protesters’ key demand: for President Akufo-Addo to immediately halt the sale to Bryan Acheampong. He criticized the government’s handling of the issue, stating that attempts to involve Organized Labour in discussions were merely a facade, and that the sale of state assets, especially profitable ones, must cease.
Support for the protest has been widespread, with the Public Relations Officer of the Trades Union Congress, Naa Ayele Ardayfio Sekyere, voicing her support. She highlighted the broader implications of the sale, noting that it is not just about the hotels but about the pattern of behavior regarding state assets.
“This is a national call and it is exciting that our MPs are leading this. Let’s look at it; how is it that every now and again, we have issues with SSNIT? You can’t do the same thing so many times and expect different results. We are just not making progress as far as SSNIT is concerned,” she said.
The demonstration is expected to be well-attended and is likely to put significant pressure on the government to reconsider the sale of the SSNIT hotels.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for North Tongu, is set to lead a demonstration against the sale of four Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited, owned by Ghana’s Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
The demonstration is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 18, with the aim of compelling the president to prevent the sale of these hotels.
Mr. Ablakwa confirmed during a news conference at the press center on Monday, June 17, that all arrangements for the demonstration are complete. He emphasized the peaceful nature of the protest and warned that individuals attempting to incite chaos would be dealt with by the Ghana Police Service.
He also mentioned that he anticipates officials from the presidency will meet the demonstrators and receive their petition for submission to the president. The demonstration is seen as crucial in ensuring that the sale does not proceed, with Mr. Ablakwa highlighting the urgency and significance of their cause.
“We have agreed with the police on the condition that the representatives of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will walk from the Jubilee House and meet us at the Christ the King Catholic Church to receive our petition,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.
He has already petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the transaction. However, he feels compelled to take this additional step because, despite widespread opposition, information he has obtained indicates that the process to finalize the deal is still ongoing. He expressed concern that the deal could be completed before the Commission concludes its inquiry and believes it is necessary to exert extra pressure on SSNIT to halt the transaction.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, is demanding the immediate summoning of the board and management of the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital, along with the Ministry of Health, to respond to allegations that a patient was abandoned in a bush, leading to her death.
The woman was reportedly left in a bush at Gomoa Ojobi in the Central Region.
According to Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the incident represents “the height of inhumanity, and Parliament should take an interest.”
The media reported on Wednesday, June 12, that a woman with casts on both legs, wrapped in a cloth, and with a wheelchair beside her, had been found abandoned in a bush.
Eyewitnesses in the community claim that the woman was left there by an ambulance from the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, June 14, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa condemned the act and called for all stakeholders involved to be urgently summoned to address the issue.
“It has been reported that doctors and nurses at the Winneba Government just threw out a patient who had an accident because they couldn’t locate her family.
“They just took her in an ambulance and went and dumped her in the bush and she died after three days.”
The MP specifically demanded that “we must summon the Health Minister, the Ghana Health Service, and the board and management of the Winneba Government Hospital.”
Majority Leader and MP for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, mentioned that he has already requested a full report from the hospital regarding the incident.
Earlier today, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) announced that it has begun investigations into the matter.
The Service’s Director-General, Patrick Kuma-Aboagye said investigations have commenced to “establish the authenticity or otherwise of the story in line with the existing practices in the public service to enable it to take appropriate action(s).”
The Majority Leader argues that Parliament should permit the Ghana Health Service to finalize its investigation into the issue.
Addressing the issue, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin voiced concern over the repeated occurrences of such incidents in the country and urged the Ghana Health Service to expedite its investigation.
North Tongu Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has responded to a petition filed against him by Ernest Owusu-Bempah of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The petition requests the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the MP for allegedly violating a provision in the 1992 Constitution by engaging in a profitable venture without parliamentary approval.
Owusu-Bempah claims that Ablakwa’s actions contradict the constitution, which the MP swore to uphold.
According to the petition dated Friday, June 7, 2024, Ernest Owusu-Bempah alleged that the North Tongu MP is the “director, sole shareholder, and beneficial owner of Volta Klenam Farms and Industries LTD, incorporated on 2nd September 2021.”
Ablakwa responded via an X post dated June 12, 2024.
The MP clarified that the project in question is a constituency project that has not yet commenced.
“Media reports suggest that a certain doltish mercenary has dragged me to CHRAJ over a constituency farm project that is yet to commence operations,” his post read in part.
“For the record, I have never purchased a state asset. Nothing will stop us from preventing the sale of our SSNIT hotels to Bryan Acheampong!
“And our resolve to initiate a Private Member’s Bill to ban the sale of state assets to politicians and politically exposed persons remains unwavering,” the post added.
Responding via a post on X on June 12, 2024, Ablakwa clarified that the contentious project is a constituency initiative that has not yet begun.
This is not the first time such an accusation has been leveled against the North Tongu MP. Last year, he dismissed a similar allegation of occupying an office for profit contrary to law.
Media reports suggest that a certain doltish mercenary has dragged me to CHRAJ over a constituency farm project that is yet to commence operations.
For the record, I have never purchased a state asset.
Nothing will stop us from preventing the sale of our SSNIT hotels to Bryan…
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) June 12, 2024
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has released new information regarding the legal dispute involving the children of former Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and lawyer, Freddie Blay.
The litigation centers on the Polo Beach Club, with Loic Devos Junior and Kwaw Worsemao Blay as the main parties involved.
In a post on X, Mr. Ablakwa detailed the developments, stating, “I have been poring over some additional 600 pages of court documents including rulings and exhibits in the Loic Devos Junior and Kwaw Worsemao Blay Polo Beach Club litigation.”
The documents reveal intricate details of alleged “treachery, betrayal, and backstabbing,” which Mr. Ablakwa described as “chilling” and likened to a Hollywood blockbuster. He expressed sympathy for Loic Devos Junior, who he claims was “crudely hounded out of the deal by the Blay brothers.” However, he emphasized that Labadi Beach Hotel deserves the most sympathy.
The court documents highlight a bitter dispute over substantial sums of money generated from business activities on Labadi Hotel’s encroached beachfront. Despite these proceeds, Labadi Beach Hotel reportedly received no share, following the alleged breach of a joint venture agreement by Kwaw Worsemao Blay and Kwame Edenkema Blay.
Key financial details from the litigation include:
Gross revenue for the 2019 event: GHS 4,337,113.59
Corporate sponsorship from Pernod Ricard West Africa for the 2020 event: GHS 457,833.87 (€65,000)
Payment made to an individual named “Small God”: US$50,000.00
Amount withdrawn for Mr. Affutu: GHS 25,000.00
Payment made to a company owned by Kwaw Blay for alleged social media platform management services during the 2020 event: GHS 75,000.00
Amount allegedly fraudulently paid by Kwaw Worsemao Blay to himself: GHS 300,000.00
Credit balance on the Company’s momo account as of February 2021: GHS 244,124.32
Monies paid from the Company’s Stanbic Bank account on 23rd January 2023 to one Aminu Adam Zanz: GHS 357,595.00
Amount paid from the Company’s Stanbic Bank account on 23rd January 2023 to Kwaw Worsemao Blay: GHS 100,000.00
Loic Devos Junior is demanding that the funds spent by Kwaw Worsemao Blay without his consent as director of Gold Coast Expo Ltd be refunded with interest.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ablakwa has warned, that “these marauding encroachers and their enablers in high places should prepare to meet us in Parliament soon.”
I have been poring over some additional 600 pages of court documents including rulings and exhibits in the Loic Devos Junior and Kwaw Worsemao Blay Polo Beach Club litigation.
The documents provide further details of treachery, betrayal and backstabbing which are indeed… pic.twitter.com/q0oFMrFv3W
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) June 7, 2024
Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwahas revealed details linking former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, and his son to the ownership of the ‘famous’ SSNIT hotels.
Providing the information alongside copies of court documents on his social media handle, the National Democratic Congress MP stated that Freddie Blay’s son now asserts ownership of the beachfront of the Labadi Beach Hotel.
Additionally, the MP highlighted that this revelation makes the Ghanaian hotel the “only beachfront hotel in the world without exclusive control over its entire beachfront.”
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa elaborated on how this information surfaced, noting that it was disclosed in court documents filed by a former partner of Freddie Blay, who felt deceived by the former NPP national chairman.
“It has emerged that the Hon. Bryan Acheampong is not the only ruling party associate with ‘plans’ for Labadi Beach Hotel.
“The bombshell court documents confirm that the son of the former National Chairman of the NPP, Mr. Kwaw Worsemao Blay now claims to be the new owner of the beachfront which had always belonged to the Labadi Beach Hotel.
“Labadi Beach Hotel has thus become the only beachfront hotel in the world which does not have exclusive control over its entire beachfront.
“Sadly, because of the powerful politically exposed persons involved in this shady encroachment, the Board and management of Labadi Beach Hotel appear helpless.
“Ghanaians may never have known of this shocking hostile 2022 takeover by then NPP Chairman, Mr. Freddy Worsemao Blay’s son if Mr. Kwaw Worsemao Blay’s business partner, Mr. Loic Devos Junior had not initiated legal action at an Accra High Court (Commercial Division) on February 17, 2023 alleging that his business partner, Mr. Kwaw Worsemao Blay has cheated him out of their business operations and fraudulently denied him of the financial benefits of their joint business dealings,” he detailed.
The North Tongu legislator further disclosed that Loic Devos Junior, a partner to Freddie Blay, entered into a mutual agreement with the former NPP chairman but was subsequently deceived in the arrangement.
Following this, Freddie Blay allegedly restricted Loic Devos from accessing the company’s accounts, assuming full control of the business without his involvement.
Okudzeto Ablakwa also implicated a former Managing Director of theLabadi Beach Hotel in the matter involving Freddie Blay, suggesting that this led to the dismissal of the hotel boss, Rene Vincent-Ernst.
Explosive court documents I have obtained and currently analysing reveal that top politically exposed persons associated with the ruling NPP have long had a grand state capture scheme to completely take over SSNIT’s hotels, particularly, the super profitable Labadi Beach Hotel.… pic.twitter.com/VO05BfYJwN
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) June 1, 2024
North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has raised significant concerns about the planned sale of a stake in Labadi Beach Hotel to Rock City Hotel, owned by Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong.
Mr Ablakwa asserts that the four-star Labadi Beach Hotel, which made a profit of GHC158 million in 2023, has sufficient resources to sustain its operations, making the sale unnecessary.
In his evaluation of the hotel’s financial records, Ablakwa expressed confidence in Labadi Beach Hotel’s strong financial standing, suggesting it is in a better position than Rock City Hotel.
“Labadi Beach Hotel is a cash cow and not a struggling hotel as government propagandists are claiming,” Ablakwa stated.
Mr Ablakwa, who brought the deal to public attention, questioned why SSNIT would sell 60% of its stake in these profitable hotels to a minister. SSNIT has since clarified that the sale was opened to tender, and Rock City Hotel’s financial statements were the most favorable.
Ablakwa further detailed the hotel’s robust financial health in a post on the X platform: “I have also intercepted the 2023 management account of Labadi Beach Hotel. The financials reveal that Labadi Beach Hotel has cash reserves in five bank accounts amounting to an impressive GHS54,855,795.00.”
According to the 2022 Deloitte financial statement, Labadi Beach Hotel had a turnover of GHS120,438,655, which commendably increased to GHS188,076,649.00 in 2023. The hotel’s gross profit also more than doubled from GHS70,734,099.00 in 2022 to GHS158,490,448.00 in 2023.
In addition to its profits, Labadi Beach Hotel has contributed significantly to the government’s revenue through taxes, paying GHS20,318,232 over the last five years. Ablakwa emphasized, “Anyone who takes over Labadi Beach Hotel alone can use its profitability to revamp all the hotels in SSNIT’s investment portfolio.”
Ablakwa suggested that the all-Ghanaian management team of Labadi Beach Hotel should be considered to manage all of SSNIT’s hotels, given their demonstrated efficiency and success. He concluded by stating, “I am more convinced that this deal is not in our collective interest. Hands off our SSNIT hotels or get ready for our June 18 DEMO!”
The planned sale has stirred a debate about the future of SSNIT’s investments and the strategic decisions surrounding profitable national assets.
I have finally secured the annual financial statements of Labadi Beach Hotel (Hotel Investments Ghana Limited) covering the last decade and been combing through the reports as prepared by the reputable Deloitte.
In a recent post on X, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has raised further concerns regarding the sale of hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to Rock City Hotel, owned by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
Mr Ablakwa’s post highlighted the potential involvement of Hamdiya Ismaila, a Director of SEM Capital Advisors Ltd, in the transaction process.
Mr Ablakwa questioned whether Ismaila, who previously served as General Manager at the Venture Capital Trust Fund, exerted undue influence during SEM Capital’s selection as Transaction Advisor in 2019, given her government position at the time.
He also raised suspicions about the subsequent bid won by Rock City in 2022, suggesting a possible conflict of interest.
He shared a letter from the Central Tender Review Committee in 2019, granting approval for SSNIT to engage SEM Capital as the recommended tenderer for consultancy services related to the divestiture of its hotels.
Meanwhile, Mr Ablakwa’s petition to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) calls for an investigation into alleged conflict of interest, abuse of power, procurement breaches, and other irregularities surrounding the sale.
SSNIT and Bryan Acheampong have denied any wrongdoing, asserting that Rock City submitted the best proposal for the acquisition of a 60% stake in the hotels.
As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders await further developments to determine the outcome of the probe into the sale of SSNIT hotels to Rock City, amidst growing calls for accountability and adherence to due process.
Ghanaians need firm assurances and clarifications that one of the Directors of SEM Capital Advisors Ltd, Hamdiya Ismaila, who was a government official at the Venture Capital Trust Fund, where she served as General Manager during the crucial period of procurement processes… pic.twitter.com/JxcsmWYu7Z
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) May 26, 2024
