Government Hotel Sale Sparks Controversy: TUC Expresses Concern Over State Capture Allegations

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has raised alarm over the reported sale of workers stake in four state-owned hotels to Bryan Acheampong’s Rock City Hotel, labelling the deal as a potential case of state capture.

During a press conference led by Dr Isaac Bampoe Addo of CLOGSAG, the TUC slammed the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) for allegedly violating investment guidelines and stressed their commitment to preventing the sale, viewing it as detrimental to the citizens’ interests.

Dr Yaw Baah, Secretary-General of TUC, questioned the transparency of the transaction and expressed skepticism over the reduction of hotels from six to four in the package deal.

He further criticized the proposed terms of payment, emphasizing discrepancies from the initial Memorandum of Understanding.

The TUC strongly objected to the involvement of a political figure like Mr. Acheampong in the purchase, citing concerns over potential conflicts of interest and lack of justification for the sale to a government official.

In response, Dr Baah called for the immediate cancellation of the sale, warning of possible organized labor action if the process proceeds unchecked.

The controversy was brought to light by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, whose petition to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) highlighted multiple allegations, including conflict of interest, lack of due process, and graft.

While SSNIT defended the selection process, declaring Rock City Hotel Limited as the most qualified bidder, critics like Ablakwa and TUC remain unsatisfied with the justifications provided.

The growing dissent from the TUC and other stakeholders raises significant concerns about the integrity and transparency of the sale, leaving the fate of the transaction uncertain amidst mounting scrutiny.