Ablakwa intends to organize a second protest under the ‘Hands off our Hotels’ banner in the Central Region

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

The initial protest, held on Tuesday, June 18, saw Ablakwa and demonstrators calling on the government to halt the sale of 60 percent shares in four hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to Rock City Hotel, owned by Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.

In an interview on Citi FM, Ablakwa highlighted increasing demands for another demonstration, particularly 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 one of the hotels in Elmina, emphasizing that unless President Akufo-Addo addresses their demands to halt the sale, a second protest will inevitably take place.

Taking to Facebook on Thursday, June 20, Ablakwa acknowledged the Central Region’s concerns and pledged to organize a significant protest if the government does not intervene promptly.

“May I respectfully assure the revered chiefs and good people of the Central Region who have called us for a patriotic partnership to stage the next #HandsOffOurHotels demonstration since they are vehemently opposed to the sale of Elmina Beach Hotel and Ridge Royal Hotel both in the Central Region that we have unanimously agreed and resolved to hold a similar massive protest in the Central Region if President Akufo-Addo fails to stop the sales within the next few days.”