The “Hands Off Our Hotels” demonstration is underway today, June 18, 2024, with hundreds of protesters gathered at Labadi Beach Hotel. The march aims to reach the Jubilee House, where leadership intends to submit a petition against the controversial sale of state-owned hotels to private entities. However, police have blocked the protesters’ path, preventing them from approaching the presidency.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu and protest convenor, denounced the police’s last-minute decision to halt the march. “This is a clear attempt to stifle our voices and suppress our legitimate concerns,” Ablakwa said. A brief scuffle ensued, with police deploying water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Some protesters have been rushed to 37 Military Hospital for medical attention, while others remain detained by police.
Fifi Kwetey, General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), accused the government of corruption and looting state resources. “This leadership is consumed by self-interest, neglecting the people’s needs and plundering state assets for personal gain,” Kwetey said. “Ghanaians will not tolerate this corruption and insensitivity. We demand transparency and accountability in the hotel industry.”
The protest demands transparency and accountability in the hotel industry, specifically opposing the sale of 60% shares in four SSNIT-owned hotels to Rock City Hotel, a company linked to Minister Bryan Acheampong. Protesters argue that this sale undermines the nation’s economic interests and enriches a select few. Despite police obstruction, protesters remain resolute in their quest for justice, vowing to continue advocating for good governance and responsible leadership.
