By Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has pledged to introduce a private member’s bill in Parliament aimed at prohibiting politicians and politically exposed individuals from acquiring state assets.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, May 21, the lawmaker expressed optimism that the bill, once passed, would rectify the loopholes in the existing legal framework that are being exploited by political figures.
He emphasized the importance of enacting robust legislation to ensure compliance among public officeholders.
“In the coming days, I shall be sponsoring a Private Member’s Bill in Parliament to expressly prevent politicians and politically exposed persons from participating directly or indirectly in the purchase of state assets. The objective will be to legally block all loopholes in the current legal regime which some politicians appear to be exploiting.
“After 16 years of crusading against politicians purchasing state assets under conflict of interest, opaque, abuse of power and unethical circumstances; I believe it is time to have a strong piece of legislation with deterrent sanctions to end the canker,” his post read.
Background:
The young NDC legislator has recently made headlines for formally petitioning the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Social Security and National Insurance Trust’s (SSNIT) proposed sale of its 60% stake in six hotels to Rock City Hotels Limited, owned by Member of Parliament and Minister of State, Bryan Acheampong.
The hotels under scrutiny in the petition are the Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and the Trust Lodge Hotel.
Mr. Ablakwa’s petition to CHRAJ seeks an investigation into various allegations, including conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft.
SSNIT Response:
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has responded by refuting any wrongdoing in the transaction.
SSNIT emphasized that the selection process for a buyer was transparent and strictly followed the guidelines outlined in the Public Procurement Act, resulting in the choice of Rock City Hotel from among five other applicants.
In a statement, SSNIT clarified that Rock City Hotel Limited presented the strongest technical and financial proposal among the submissions, meeting the criteria specified in the Request for Proposals (RFP).
SSNIT has assured the public of its full cooperation with CHRAJ throughout its investigation process.
Bryan Acheampong Responds:
Mr. Acheampong has strongly refuted the allegations made by Mr. Ablakwa, asserting that they are unfounded and without merit.
During an appearance on JoyFM’s Super Morning Show on Tuesday, he expressed his disappointment with his colleague’s stance, emphasizing that there is no wrongdoing in Rock City’s proposal to purchase 60% of shares in SSNIT’s four hotels.
“You are just adding things together and trying to destroy me and trying to destroy Rock City. It is most unfair, it is ‘un-Ghanaian’ and you should stop it,” he told Mr Ablakwa who was also on the Super Morning Show.
The Next Step:
However, Mr. Ablakwa remains resolute. He informed Evans Mensah, Host of News Night on Joy FM, that he intends to petition the Speaker of Parliament to address the issue.
“I have obtained the full list of 47 ministers and MPs diligently and I know for a fact that indeed, Bryan Acheampong confirmed this morning that he has not complied with the provisions of the Constitution. So I certainly will bring this to the attention of the Speaker as soon as the house resumes.”
Source: Joy News
