Ahiagbah raises concerns about precedent set by halted SSNIT hotel sale

Richard Ahiagbah, National Communications Director of the NPP

The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has raised concerns about the precedent set by the recent halting of SSNIT's plan to sell a stake in its hotels.

NPP Communications Director Richard Ahiagbah wrote in a social media post on Saturday, July 13, that while organized labour's advocacy prevailed in stopping the sale, "we must also consider the implications of impeding a legitimate corporate decision."

Mr Ahiagbah said "Just as we are bound to respect a referee's decision in a football game, we must also abide by the outcomes of democratic processes, even if they don't align with our preferences."

He further quizzed, "Are we opening the door to future interference in public offerings based on political affiliations?”

According to the NPP spokesperson, “This could harm corporate governance, market confidence, and overall certainty."

He stressed, "We must deeply reflect on the potential long-term consequences of this precedent" established by organized labor's successful campaign to halt the sale.

His comments come after SSNIT on Friday announced the termination of the process to divest 60% of its stake in five hotels, bowing to pressure from unions.

It comes after organized labour fiercely rejected the sale, calling it "flawed" and "not in the interest of Ghanaian workers".

This prompted threats of an indefinite nationwide strike from Monday, July 15.