The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), has affirmed its commitment to fully cooperate with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) regarding the sale of 60% shares in its four hotels to Bryan Acheampong, the Minister for Food and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for the Abetifi Constituency.

In a statement released on Sunday, May 19, SSNIT assured the public that it has nothing to conceal and is prepared to provide all necessary information to CHRAJ. 

The organisation emphasised that it followed due processes meticulously throughout the sale process.

• Read: Bryan Acheampong’s hotel gave the best offer for 60% share in 4 hotels – SSNIT

According to SSNIT, the selection process for the sale of the hotels was conducted transparently and in strict compliance with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act.

"Given the impending investigation by CHRAJ, Management of SSNIT will not comment further. SSNIT will cooperate fully with CHRAJ throughout its investigation process."

Additionally, the Trust reassured pensioners, contributors, and the general public of its unwavering dedication to prudently managing its affairs.

"SSNIT further wishes to assure pensioners, contributors and the public of its commitment to managing the affairs of the Trust prudently for the sustainability of the Pension Scheme."

This development follows a formal petition lodged by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the processes surrounding the sale of six hotels.

The hotels mentioned in the petition include Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and the Trust Lodge Hotel. 

However, SSNIT clarified that the bids were successful for only four hotels and not the entire six as claimed by the MP.

Mr Ablakwa's petition calls for an investigation into various allegations, including conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft.

In his petition, Mr Ablakwa highlights what he views as violations of constitutional provisions, specifically citing Articles 78(3) and 98(2) of the 1992 Constitution. He contends that these actions represent significant breaches of legal and ethical standards.

Additionally, in a Facebook post on Friday, May 17, Mr Ablakwa argued that Bryan Acheampong's alleged involvement in the hotel sale without the permission of the Speaker of Parliament constitutes a breach of parliamentary protocol regarding holding offices of profit. 

This, according to Mr Ablakwa, is a serious violation that requires thorough investigation and accountability.

• Read also: Ablakwa petitions CHRAJ over alleged sale of 6 hotels by SSNIT to Bryan Acheampong

"In my petition, I am inviting CHRAJ to investigate grave matters bordering on conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft."

"I have also drawn attention to blatant violations of Article 78(3) and 98(2) of the 1992 Constitution as diligent checks from Parliament's Committee on Office of Profit reveal that Hon. Bryan Acheampong has not applied and does not have the permission of the Speaker of Parliament to hold an office of profit,” he said.

However, according to SSNIT, the strategy to partner with an investor to raise capital to invest in their hotels, and also assist in their management, started as far back as 2018 through International Competitive Tendering (ICT) processes as prescribed by the Public Procurement Act.