SSNIT Hotels saga: I wonder if you understand issues discussed or you sleep during meetings — Kwamena Duncan slams TUC

Former Central Regional Minister Kwamena Duncan has criticised the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for its stance on the Social Security and National Insurance Trust’s (SSNIT) decision to cede its stake in six hotels.

Mr. Duncan's comments come amidst growing controversy over SSNIT's plan to sell its 60% stake in four hotels to Rock City Hotel, a company owned by Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Food and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Abetifi.

The sale has sparked backlash, with members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and segments of the public describing it as a conflict of interest and calling for its cancellation.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, NDC Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has been particularly vocal, questioning the propriety of SSNIT’s partnership with Rock City. He petitions the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to probe and halt the transaction.

"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," Ablakwa stated.

In reaction to the public outcry, Organized Labour held a press conference in Accra on Monday, urging the government to suspend the sale.

However, SSNIT defended its decision, asserting that Rock City Hotel presented the strongest technical and financial proposal among all the bids it received.

Commenting on the issue on Peace FM’s "Kokrokoo" morning show, Kwamena Duncan questioned the effectiveness of the TUC's involvement in the decision-making process.

He expressed concern over the apparent inaction of the four organised labour representatives on the SSNIT Board of Trustees prior to the decision to sell the hotels.

Implying negligence or lack of engagement on their part, Mr. Duncan stated, "Do they go for board meetings? Well, if they go, do they understand the issues which are discussed there? Do they go to sleep? What happens to the four representatives of organised labour?"

To him, the organised labour reps should engage with the stakeholders to find a proper solution to the problem and not resort to their public sentiments, stating, "it will not solve any problem. That one, it will continue to drain on the funds that SSNIT is managing."