Today in Accra, NDC Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, led a demonstration protesting the sale of four SSNIT-owned hotels to Rock City Hotel, a business owned by Food and Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong.
The march began in front of the Labadi Beach Hotel, continued to the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, and proceeded along Giffard Road to the Lands Commission.
However, police barred the march close to the seat of government and determined protesters clashed with armed officers blocking the way. The police deployed tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd, causing several protesters to collapse and be rushed to the hospital.
In an interview with Citi News, Ablakwa vowed to force the government to terminate the deal.
“If Bryan Acheampong has the expertise and capacity to turn hotels around, he is sitting in the cabinet. Why doesn’t he bring that to bear so that we can turn these hotels around if indeed they are turning it around to benefit us all?” he questioned.
The sale of a 60 percent stake in the hotels to Acheampong has faced scrutiny from organised labour and other stakeholders, prompting the protest.
The hotels at the centre of the controversy include Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and Trust Lodge Hotel.
