Elizabeth Ohene writes: Your lordship, justice must also be seen to be done
Your Lordship, the Chief Justice, I have watched the four-minute video clip in which you recount your visit to some state institutions, particularly the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT). In it, you speak approvingly of how well SSNIT is doing today, compared with its condition some time ago, when it was even preparing […]
In a recent video, Chief Justice recounts his visit to state institutions, particularly the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), praising its current state compared to its past condition when it was on the verge of selling its prized asset, Labadi Beach Hotel. The Chief Justice then expresses concern about what happened during the previous eight years and how Ghana could have declined to such an extent.
However, as a former Chairperson of the SSNIT Board of Trustees, the author assumes she was involved in the institutional decline. She points out that SSNIT is reportedly seeking strategic investors for the hotels, which could potentially lead to its decline once again.
The author also mentions that during her tenure, allegations of severe corruption surrounding SSNIT's proposed divestment of a 60% interest in the hotels were made by Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a Member of Parliament and now Minister for Foreign Affairs. The allegations led to a national outcry, with news outlets, radio studios, and social media all criticizing the SSNIT Board and Management.
The author, who served as Chairperson of the SSNIT Board, was vilified and subjected to reputational damage due to the allegations.
In response to the Chief Justice's positive remarks about SSNIT's current state, the author expresses disappointment that the truth has not been publicly acknowledged. She points out that the allegations were investigated by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and that SSNIT suspended the divestment process in the meantime.
However, more than two years later, there has been no public update or declaration regarding the allegations. The author hopes that the Chief Justice mentioned the improved financial state of SSNIT during his visit, as well as the fact that the Labadi Beach Hotel became the prized asset under the administration he praises.
The author emphasizes that the real danger lies in the weakening and politicization of a pension fund entrusted with the retirement security of Ghanaian workers. She urges the Chief Justice to consider the implications of this for citizens and those who speak from institutions whose authority depends on public confidence.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
