The Minority in Parliament has issued an ultimatum to the government to formally announce the cancellation of the intended sale of 60% shares in the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Hotels by Tuesday, July 18, 2024.
The Caucus warned that failure to do so would lead to escalated non-cooperation, including nationwide demonstrations.
A statement signed by the Minority leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, disclosed that the NDC caucus will no longer cooperate with the government in the handling of government business in Parliament until a formal cancellation of the sale of the hotels is announced.
“If by the close of Tuesday, July 18, 2024, the government fails or neglects or refuses to declare that the sale of the SSNIT hotels has been abolished, we shall escalate our non-cooperation to include measures such as demonstrations across the country,” Dr. Ato Forson warned.
In addition to demanding the cancellation, the Minority also called for the resignation of members of the SSNIT board, the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA), and the Minister of Employment for failing to protect the interests of Ghanaian workers and being complicit in alleged state capture.
“They must all resign for serving as accomplices in the state capture and for failing to protect the interest of Ghanaian workers,” the statement said.
Minority Leader condemned the government’s plan to sell the iconic SSNIT hotels, calling it a “dubious arrangement” designed to benefit individuals within the government under suspicious circumstances.
He expressed satisfaction at the withdrawal of Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong’s company from the bid, following intense pressure from organized labour and civil society groups.
According to him, it is however not sufficient that Rock City Hotel, which attempted a hostile takeover of the iconic SSNIT hotels in a sweetheart deal with the government, has withdrawn its state capture bid.
He said, “The government must issue a public statement informing organized labour and the general Ghanaian public that it has stopped its dubious arrangement to offload shares in the SSNIT hotels to a person(s) in government under very suspicious circumstances.”
The Minority Caucus has emphasized the importance of protecting the interests of Ghanaian workers and maintaining transparency in the management of national assets.
“The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority in Parliament, organized labour, civil society, and the people of Ghana have spoken loud and clear that we are opposed to the questionable arrangement by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government to sell the SSNIT hotels to Minister of Agriculture Bryan Acheampong or anyone in a suspicious deal.”
“The government must listen to the voice of organized labour, other interest groups, and those who stiffly opposed this shady transaction to protect the interest of the Ghanaian worker,” he said.
