The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, has refuted claims that his hotel, Rock City, is experiencing losses, describing such assertions as unfounded.

The controversy stems from the proposed sale of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust's (SSNIT) stake in several hotels to Rock City, owned by the Minister.

Mr. Acheampong dismissed the claims made by North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stating, "Rock City is not making losses. There is no one anywhere who can say that Rock City is making losses."

He criticized Mr. Ablakwa and Sammy Gyamfi for exaggerating the situation, alleging that Mr. Ablakwa's assertions were baseless.

Mr. Ablakwa had earlier indicated that documents he had intercepted showed that Rock City was unprofitable, challenging the notion that Mr. Acheampong possessed expertise in hotel management.

He accused Mr. Acheampong of state capture, arguing that Rock City had incurred losses and failed to pay taxes in 2023.

In response, Mr. Acheampong questioned Mr. Ablakwa's claims, stating that Rock City had not filed its 2023 taxes yet, contrary to Mr. Ablakwa's assertions.

He labeled Mr. Ablakwa's statements as lies and fabrications, daring him to provide evidence to support his claims.

The controversy surrounding the proposed sale of SSNIT's stake in several hotels to Rock City has sparked public outrage, leading to a demonstration dubbed "Hands Off Our Hotels."

The protest, organized by Mr. Ablakwa, aimed to pressure the government to halt the sale, which protesters argue constitutes an abuse of power.

The demonstration, which saw hundreds of participants gathering at the Labadi Beach Hotel, received support from civil society organizations, concerned citizens, and opposition political groups.

The protesters called for transparency and accountability in the sale of state-owned properties and urged the government to reconsider its decision.