By North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has responded to the defense put forth by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) regarding its decision to sell 60% of its stake in six hotels to the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong.
Ablakwa expressed concerns over SSNIT’s choice of the Agric minister over other competitors, citing inconsistencies in the reasons provided by SSNIT.
His concerns are rooted in allegations of conflict of interest, abuse of power, and other procurement irregularities.
Consequently, Ablakwa has petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the matter, with particular focus on the sale to the Abetifi MP.
SSNIT defended its actions, claiming that the partnership with an investor to manage and invest in the hotels began in 2018, following International Competitive Tendering (ICT) processes in accordance with the Public Procurement Act. The Trust maintains that the Minister for Food and Agriculture presented the most favorable proposal.
However, Mr. Ablakwa, in a post on X on May 20, 2024, highlighted discrepancies in the timeline of events.
He pointed out that the procurement process initiated by SSNIT on November 14, 2018, predates the opening of Rock City, which only began operations in November 2019.
The MP finds it concerning that Rock City was able to outcompete 14 other firms shortly after its establishment, questioning the financial and technical capabilities acquired in such a short span.
“It’s interesting to discover from the SSNIT statement that their controversial procurement processes for the sale of the 6 hotels started on November 14, 2018.
“In November 2018, Rock City had not opened for business. According to the management of Rock City in an interview with the Miami Herald, Phase 1 of Rock City commenced operations in November 2019 — a year after the SSNIT procurement processes were rolled out.
“... It is even more profound that soon after commencing operations in the middle of the SSNIT procurement, Rock City gathered the financial and technical might to knock out all the other 14 firms they competed against,” the post stated.
It’s interesting to discover from the SSNIT statement that their controversial procurement processes for the sale of the 6 hotels started on November 14, 2018.
In November 2018, Rock City had not opened for business. According to the management of Rock City in an interview with… pic.twitter.com/QAYlLBOu9d
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) May 20, 2024
