Today+the+protest+against+the+sale+of+SSNIT+hotels+begins
Nationwide Protest Against SSNIT Hotel Sale Commences Today Today, citizens across the country embark on a nationwide protest to oppose the proposed sale of five hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT). The protest, organized by various labor unions and civil society groups, is scheduled to take place in all major cities. The protesters allege that the sale of the hotels, which include the Golden Tulip Hotel in Accra, the Fiesta Royale Hotel in Kumasi, and the Novotel Hotel in Tamale, is not in the best interest of the country. They argue that the hotels are valuable assets that should be preserved for future generations. Furthermore, they contend that the sale process has been shrouded in secrecy and corruption. They demand transparency and accountability from SSNIT officials and the government. The government, on the other hand, has defended the sale, stating that it is necessary to raise funds for other development projects. However, the protesters argue that there are more effective and sustainable ways to generate revenue without sacrificing national assets. The protest is expected to disrupt traffic and businesses in various areas. Commuters are advised to use alternative routes or plan for delays. The outcome of the protest remains uncertain. However, it is a clear indication that the sale of the SSNIT hotels has sparked widespread public opposition. The government and SSNIT will need to address the concerns of the protesters if they wish to proceed with the sale.SSNIT Hotels Sale: North Tongu MP Leads Protest against Bryan AcheampongSSNIT Hotels Sale: North Tongu MP Leads Protest against Bryan Acheampong North Tongu Member of Parliament (MP) Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa initiated a protest on Tuesday, June 18, against the proposed sale of four Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited, owned by Ghana’s Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong. Ablakwa expressed his determination to halt the sale by pressuring the president to intervene. During a press conference on Monday, June 17, he confirmed that all arrangements for the demonstration were complete. Emphasizing the need for a peaceful protest, Ablakwa affirmed that individuals attempting to incite chaos would face consequences from the Ghana Police Service. He anticipated that presidential officials would receive a petition from the protesters to present to the president. “We have reached an agreement with the police that representatives of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will meet us at Christ the King Catholic Church to receive our petition,” Ablakwa stated. “We are peaceful protesters and law-abiding. We can assure the people of Ghana that we will respect this agreement with the Ghana Police Service,” he added. Ablakwa has previously requested an investigation into the transaction by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). However, he felt the need for additional measures due to the ongoing sale process despite widespread opposition. Expressing concern over the possibility of the deal being concluded before CHRAJ completes its investigation, Ablakwa believes that further pressure must be applied to SSNIT to halt the transaction.Protest Commences Against SSNIT Hotel Sales Today, a nationwide protest has begun to denounce the proposed sale of State Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) hotels. The announcement of the sale earlier this month sparked widespread outrage among Ghanaian workers and citizens. Protestors gathered in various parts of the country, including Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Cape Coast. They displayed placards with slogans such as “Hands Off Our SSNIT Hotels” and “Save Our Retirement.” Organized by unions, civil society groups, and political parties, the protests are demanding the immediate withdrawal of the sale plans. They argue that the hotels are a critical investment for SSNIT, providing a substantial portion of its income. “The sale of these hotels is a betrayal of the Ghanaian worker,” said a representative of the Ghana National Association of Teachers. “These hotels were built with our contributions, and they should be preserved for the benefit of future generations.” The protestors also expressed concerns about the transparency and accountability of the sale process. They demanded that the government provide a full disclosure of the terms and conditions of the transaction. “We need to know who is buying these hotels and why they are being sold,” said a member of the Council of Independent Unions. “We won’t stand idly by while our retirement funds are being squandered.” The government has defended the sale, stating that it will allow SSNIT to focus on its core mandate of providing social security to Ghanaian workers. However, the protestors remain unconvinced, vowing to continue their demonstrations until the plans are scrapped. The protests are expected to intensify in the coming days, with the possibility of further disruptions to economic activities. The government faces a significant challenge in addressing the concerns of the protestors and finding a solution that aligns with the interests of Ghanaian workers and the long-term sustainability of SSNIT.