SSNIT hotel scandal, SML, KPMG full report ‘catching rest’ while NDC shifts focus on AG — Bridget Otoo

Media personality Bridget Otoo has suggested that the government is likely relieved by the recent focus on the ambulance case involving Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Attorney General Godfred Dame.

According to Otoo, this shift in attention has allowed the government to avoid scrutiny of the contentious SSNIT hotel sales saga and the KPMG audit report on Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).

“The government must be happy with the NDC’s focus on the AG. I mean, SSNIT hotel scandal is now breathing and SML KPMG full report is also breathing,” Otoo wrote in a post on X on May 29, 2024.

Dr. Ato Forson, a former Deputy Finance Minister, is currently on trial for his alleged role in the procurement of faulty ambulances for Ghana.

This high-profile case has sparked public interest and calls for the Attorney General’s resignation.

The Attorney General has insisted that Jakpa, the third accused, had requested a plea bargain, which had not been accepted.

The NDC, however, played an audio tape at a press conference on May 28, 2024 countering that Jakpa never made such a request.

The NPP reacted by claiming that the tape was tampered with to mislead the public.

Meanwhile, the SSNIT hotel scandal and the KPMG audit report have received less public attention.

The KPMG report, commissioned by President Nana Akufo-Addo to audit the contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML), revealed tax evasion and contracts awarded without proper approvals.

The audit was ordered in reaction to public pressure for transparency and accountability.

Organised Labour has also expressed concern over the ongoing sale of SSNIT’s shares in four hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong.

They have urged the government to halt the sale, warning of potential nationwide strikes by workers if the deal proceeds.

SSNIT is reportedly close to finalising the sale of 60% of its shares in Labadi Beach Hotel, LA Palm Royal Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, and Elmina Beach Resort to Rock City Hotel.

North Tongu MP Okudzeto Ablakwa has filed a petition to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the SSNIT hotel sales, reflecting widespread criticism and concern over the transparency of the process.