Ablakwa declares the second ‘Hands off our Hotels’ protest in Cape Coast

Written by GliveRadio Accra on June 20, 2024

The Member of Parliament for North Tongu and organizer of the ‘Hands off our Hotels’ demonstration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced plans for a second protest in the Central Region.

Ablakwa, who led protesters on Tuesday, June 18, to oppose the government’s sale of 60 percent shares in four hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to Rock City Hotel, a company owned by the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.

During an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, he mentioned that there was increasing demand for a second demonstration, especially from the Central Region, where two of the affected hotels—Elmina and Ridge Royal—are located.

Ablakwa cited a letter from the Omanhene of the Edina Traditional Council opposing the sale of a hotel in Elmina. He cautioned that if the president did not heed the demonstrators’ demands to stop the sale, a second phase of protests would indeed follow.

The North Tongu legislator posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, June 20, announcing his response to the plea from the people of the Central Region. He declared his intention to organize a protest there.

“I have heard the passionate appeal of the esteemed chiefs and wonderful people of the Central Region, who have urged us to partner with them in organizing the next #HandsOffOurHotels demonstration. They vehemently oppose the sale of Elmina Beach Hotel and Ridge Royal Hotel in the Central Region. We have collectively agreed and decided to hold a similarly impactful protest in the Central Region if President Akufo-Addo does not halt the sales within the coming days.”