Ahiagbah Challenges Ablakwa to Prove Procurement Processes Were Not Manipulated for Rock City in SSNIT Hotel Sale

The Director of Communications for Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahaigbah, has responded sharply to allegations raised by North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa regarding the sale of hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong.

Ahaigbah challenged Ablakwa to substantiate claims of procurement irregularities in the sale process, cautioning against damaging Ghana’s reputation without evidence.

Ablakwa had accused Acheampong of a conflict of interest due to his ministerial position during the initial stages of the hotel acquisition process.

He argued that this violated ethical guidelines, prompting him to petition Ghana’s Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and organize public demonstrations.

In response, Ahaigbah defended the integrity of the sale, asserting that the process began well before Acheampong assumed ministerial duties. He emphasized that SSNIT followed proper protocols throughout the competitive tender process, ensuring transparency.

Ahaigbah condemned what he termed as unwarranted interference by Ablakwa and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), suggesting it undermines confidence in Ghana’s governance and legal processes.

The controversy underscores broader concerns about transparency in Ghanaian public-sector transactions and the implications for international perceptions of the country’s investment climate.

Ahaigbah concluded by questioning whether similar objections would arise if a different bidder had won the contract, emphasizing the importance of fair process and institutional independence in such dealings.