In a fervent defense of the recent sale of four SSNIT hotels, New Patriotic Party’s Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, has opined that the move is crucial to safeguard SSNIT’s investments.
Amidst mounting criticism, Ahiagbah staunchly supported Bryan Acheampong’s involvement in the sale, urging Ghanaians to focus on the benefits rather than succumbing to political dissent.
“If someone like Bryan Acheampong has the vision to help the country, we have to allow him to do it, because at the end of the day, the whole purpose of the sale is to protect SSNIT investments so that pensioners can get their returns when the time is due,” Ahiagbah urged during a phone interview with Nana Yaa Brefo on Onua FM, June 19.
Addressing allegations from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) about irregularities in the procurement process, the politician challenged them to provide evidence to substantiate their claims rather than misleading Ghanaians.
“The NDC does not speak the truth, the issue now is that, let’s ask them, the procurement process they claim has been breached let them prove it, let them show Ghanaians where the process was breached and I will join the demonstration myself, but without any evidence, the NDC should not spew lies to Ghanaians,” he asserted.
Ahiagbah defended the transparency of the bidding process, describing it as rigorous and inclusive of both local and international participants.
“The process SSNIT followed and abided by is clear to see, it has clarity, it is an international bidding process, a lot of local and international businesses showed interest but, in the end, only 9 people got through and eventually there were 6 and eventually, Bryan Acheampong got it,” he stated.
Accusing the NDC of propagating hatred and negativity, Ahiagbah warned against allowing such sentiments to obstruct potentially beneficial investments for Ghana.
“NDC members live with pure hate in this country, let’s look into this and address it else in the future it might not be only Rock City under criticism and scrutiny, and all these take the country backwards,” he said.
The Director of Communications further dismissed the NDC’s recent “Hands Off Our Hotels Demo” organized on the 18th of June 2024 as a politically motivated exercise lacking factual basis.
“That demonstration they embarked on is a political demonstration and a needless demonstration,” he commented.
“Let’s focus on facts and constructive dialogue rather than divisive politics. Our priority should be protecting SSNIT’s investments for the benefit of pensioners,” he emphasized.
By Lois Dogbe
