Protesters Rally Against SSNIT Hotel Sales
Today, protesters have gathered at Labadi Beach Hotel to voice their opposition to the sale of four SSNIT hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited. The hotels involved are Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, and Busua Beach Resort.
The protest, named “Hands Off Our Hotels,” is spearheaded by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the NDC Member of Parliament for North Tongu. The demonstration aims to pressure the president to halt the sales.
In a press conference on June 17, Ablakwa confirmed that all preparations for the protest were finalized. He emphasized the commitment to a peaceful demonstration and assured that any attempts to disrupt the event would be handled by the Ghana Police Service.
Ablakwa also expressed hope that officials from the presidency would engage with the protesters and accept their petition to the president.
SSNIT has defended its decision to sell a 60% stake in the hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited, owned by Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong. In a statement released on May 19, SSNIT explained that Rock City Hotel Limited presented the strongest technical and financial bid among all proposals, adhering to the criteria set out in the Request for Proposals (RFP).
SSNIT emphasized the transparency of the selection process, which complied with the Public Procurement Act. The sale aims to secure capital for further investments and improve hotel management.
The process, initiated in 2018 through International Competitive Tendering, ensured a fair selection process. In November 2018, SSNIT appointed a Transaction Advisor to help choose a strategic investor. Rock City Hotel Limited’s proposal was deemed the best, leading to negotiations for a 60% stake in each hotel.
The outcome of today’s protest remains to be seen, but it highlights significant public concern over the future of these iconic hotels.
