Former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo praised Organised Labour for its stance against the Social Security and National Insurance Trust’s (SSNIT) plan to sell 60% of its holdings in four hotels. Domelevo criticized the lack of stakeholder consultation and expressed concern over the management and board’s decision to consider a company owned by a government member as the buyer.
“I follow all those developments with keen interest, and I must say kudos to Organised Labour for standing their ground against what I think is not right,” Domelevo said during an interview. “Even if you are doing something on my behalf which is right, I think it is proper to consult me so that I know that you are securing my interest.”
Domelevo noted that the sale could have proceeded without public knowledge if it weren’t for a politician revealing it. “I find it very strange that a government will sell government property to a member of the government. I don’t know where we are on conflict of interest and how we are respecting the provisions under Article 284,” he added.
SSNIT announced on July 12, 2024, that it had ceased the sale process. The deal intended to transfer 60% of SSNIT’s stake in four hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by Bryan Acheampong, the current Minister for Food and Agriculture. However, public disapproval led to the termination announcement, sparking further calls for the board and management’s dissolution.
Organised Labour, which led the opposition to the deal, had announced a strike action to begin on July 15, 2024. Following SSNIT’s termination of the sale, Organised Labour called off the strike.
Despite the halted sale, individuals and corporate bodies continue to demand the removal of SSNIT’s current management and board. The leadership, including Madam Elizabeth Ohene and Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Maafo, faces increasing pressure to step down.
The controversy highlights the need for greater transparency and stakeholder involvement in decisions affecting public assets. Domelevo’s support for Organised Labour underscores the importance of accountability in public administration.
The halted sale has implications for SSNIT’s management and public trust in the institution. Critics argue that the deal’s secrecy and potential conflict of interest erodes confidence in SSNIT’s leadership. The ongoing demands for leadership changes reflect broader concerns about governance and accountability in Ghana’s public sector.
Ghana’s SSNIT faces a critical moment as it responds to public outrage over the attempted sale of its hotel holdings. The praise for Organised Labour’s resistance and the calls for leadership changes highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability. As SSNIT moves forward, restoring public trust will be essential to its mission of providing social security for Ghanaians.
Source: Ghana Web
