I’ve no personal qualms with Bryan Acheampong – Ablakwa

The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has made it clear that he holds no personal vendetta against Bryan Acheampong, the owner of Rock City Hotel and the current Minister of Agriculture.

Ablakwa’s recent critiques of Acheampong arose from concerns over the sale process of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust’s (SSNIT) 60% shares in four hotels to Rock City Hotel.

The proposed sale faced significant opposition, primarily led by Ablakwa, who publicly revealed details of the transaction. The opposition intensified with threats of a strike from Organised Labour, prompting SSNIT to halt the sale process.

In response to the growing controversy and potential labour unrest, Rock City Hotel announced its decision to withdraw its bid for the hotels. This move subsequently led to Organised Labour calling off the planned strike, resolving the immediate conflict over the sale.

In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Face to Face, the North Tongu MP emphasized his longstanding opposition to state capture.

He lamented that the sale of state assets to individuals has often failed to benefit the country, yielding no tangible advantages.

“Why would anybody make this just about Hon Bryan Acheampong? That it is probably something personal or I have some personal hatred for him. He has been saying it, this is not about hatred, it’s not about singling out one person. I have been consistent, and I have always opposed this state capture, this sale of state assets.

“And if you look at the history since 24th February 1966, virtually all the regimes have been engaged in these sales. What has come out of it? We have seen a pattern where public officials deliberately run down state assets and then turn around to buy them. If these hotels are not good for all of us, why should they be good for you? Why should they be good for one person?”

“If Hon Bryan Acheampong is such a great hotelier, hotelier extraordinaire, the best the world has ever known and has all the acumen, the expertise to turn hotels around. Why can’t he bring it to bear now that he’s in cabinet, and his government is in power?

“He has all the influence. He will only bring that expertise to bear when the hotel becomes his. When he has controlling shares, 60%.”