Opinion: “Hands off our hotels” demo; Political maneuvering or public interest?
Critics questioning the fairness of the deal fail to acknowledge that Rock City Hotel was one of five entities bidding for the SSNIT shares
The recent “Hands-off our Hotel” demonstration orchestrated by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and elements of the NDC has sparked controversy, raising questions about whether it was driven by genuine public concern or political maneuvering, particularly in the backdrop of an upcoming election year.
Under the Public Order Act 1994 (Act 491), such demonstrations are within the rights of Ghanaian citizens, yet the timing and nature of this protest suggest strategic political motives rather than solely addressing substantive issues.
It is notable that major stakeholders like the TUC and labor unions, who directly contribute to SSNIT, were conspicuously absent from leading this demonstration.
This absence undermines what could have been a significant platform for them to voice concerns over SSNIT’s decision to diversify its 60% shares to Rock City Hotel, owned by Dr Bryan Acheampong.
However, diversification of SSNIT’s portfolio is not unprecedented, as similar transactions in the past, such as the offloading of shares in Trust Bank, HFC, and Merchant Bank, received minimal public scrutiny.
Critics questioning the fairness of the deal fail to acknowledge that Rock City Hotel was one of five entities bidding for the SSNIT shares.
GRA Reports indicate that except for La Palm Royal Hotel, which showed profitability over the last nine years, necessitating substantial investments to ensure SSNIT realizes value for its assets.
As a political commentator, I observe that the demonstration has devolved into partisan politicking, with certain demonstrators resorting to unruly behavior such as throwing objects at police personnel near Christ the King, despite security measures in place.
This behavior not only detracts from the intended message but also serves to highlight opportunistic attempts by some NDC members to garner media attention and revive their political relevance.
Critics of the deal primarily question Hon. Bryan Acheampong’s association with the government, suggesting bias in favor of Rock City Hotel.
However, it is crucial to differentiate between personal affiliations and corporate identities, as Rock City Hotel operates independently despite Acheampong’s significant shareholding.
Moving forward, Ghana must prioritize nurturing local businesses instead of succumbing to divisive political tactics that undermine economic progress.
Supporting local investors like Rock City Hotel contributes to sustainable economic growth, contrasting with the trend of favoring foreign investors over domestic entrepreneurs.
In conclusion, while scrutiny of governmental decisions is vital for transparency and accountability, it is imperative to maintain a balanced perspective and refrain from exploiting legitimate concerns for short-term political gains.
Ghana’s future prosperity hinges on fostering a conducive environment for local businesses to thrive, ensuring equitable opportunities and sustainable development across all sectors of the economy.
Nana Agyemang Prempeh
The writer is a political commentator (charlesagyemangprempeh37@gmail.com)
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