Reactions as NPP Swindon chapter chairman opens up on Bryan Acheampong winning hotel bids

The chairman of the NPP UK’s Swindon Chapter, Nana Osei Asibey Socatoa, has declared that there is nothing improper about the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) selling most of its ownership stakes in four hotels to Bryan Acheampong, Minister of Food and Agriculture’s company, Rock City Hotels.

According to him, there was nothing to be concerned about as long as the politician and businessman fulfilled all the requirements for the bidding procedure.

Bryan Acheampong’s company has received 60% of SSNIT’s shares in the four hotels, with the company saying that they made the best offer.

It was made clear that, out of the six selected companies that expressed interest in the bid, Rock City Hotels had the strongest technical and financial proposal.

In order to raise money for investments in its hotels and help with management, SSNIT intends to work with a strategic investor.

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) received a petition from North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, alleging potential conflicts of interest and other irregularities, and asking for an investigation into the sale of six hotels, including Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Resort, to the Abetifi MP. This statement from SSNIT was in response to the petition.

Speaking with host Daniel Dadson on Rainbow Radio 92.4 FM in the United Kingdom, Chairman Socatoa, however, defended the bidding process, calling it legitimate, transparent, and started in 2018.

He contended that the procedure ought to be honored because a bid was invited and Rock City Hotels met the requirements.

“While Bryan Acheampong is a minister and part of the cabinet, there is nothing wrong with him winning the offer for the shares of the SSNIT hotels. As a successful bidder from Ghana, I believe we shouldn’t drag out this conversation any longer than necessary.

“That being said, I support the choice to file a petition with CHRAJ. It is imperative that CHRAJ look into the matter and determine whether any violation took place. Thus, let us await CHRAJ’s investigation’s conclusion,” he said.