Executive Director of the Centre for Freedom and Accuracy, Andrew Awuni, says there is a deliberate agenda to sell off Ghana's Merchant Bank to some people no matter the resistance Ghanaians mount against the plan.
Speaking on Multi TV's PM Express, he says the argument that the bank is saddled with "bad and doubtful debt" hence its sale cannot be tenable.
The Central Bank recently announced Fortiz as the new owners of Merchant Bank after the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) offloaded its majority stake in the bank.
According the Bank of Ghana, Merchant Bank's is saddled with huge debt which stood at GHC186m as at May 2013.
But ardent opponent of the deal, Awuni says the debtors of Merchant Bank who are "visible and identifiable" have not shown any sign of being unable to pay back huge loans they took.
"In fact, they are actually venturing into new businesses and have also not filed for bankruptcy", he added. This Andrew Awuni says means the debt is "recoverable".
He explained that SSNIT did not offload its majority shares from Merchant Bank because it was "a poor institution". He revealed that the Pensions Trust has recently invested in an airline company, Africa World Airlines.
"They [SSNIT] are doing new things" he added.
"Somebody or some people want to get Merchant Bank and they will take it from Ghanaians whether we like it or not", Mr Awuni observed.
Falling short of mentioning names, he said those behind the deal do not fear public opposition to the deal and are determined to go ahead with the deal.
The Executive Director of the Centre for Freedom and Accuracy lamented how an asset of the state created from pensions contributions of ordinary Ghanaians could be given out "with impunity".
Latest Stories
-
IGP calls on public to aid Police in ensuring peace during 2024 election
11 mins -
Miner jailed, fined for stealing motorbike worth GH¢13,500
48 mins -
Dozens killed in Pakistan sectarian violence
49 mins -
Police place GH₵20K bounty on group over election violence threats
49 mins -
From classrooms to conservation: 280 students embrace sustainability at Joy FM/Safari Valley’s Second Eco Tour
2 hours -
Jordan Ayew’s late goal not enough as Leicester lose at home to Chelsea
2 hours -
Global Crimea Conference 2024: Participants reject Russian claims to Soviet legacy
2 hours -
Jospong Group, Uasin Gishu County sign MoU to boost sanitation services in Kenya
2 hours -
Thomas Partey stunner helps Arsenal overcome Nottingham Forest
3 hours -
Over half of cyber attacks in Ghana, rest of Africa target government and finance, says Positive Technologies
3 hours -
Academic City unveils plastic recycling machine to address plastic pollution
3 hours -
Maddison scores twice as Tottenham inflict a fifth successive defeat on Man City
3 hours -
German-based Kanzlsperger makes medical donation to WAFA
4 hours -
It could take over 100 years for Ghana and other African countries to become ‘developed’ – Report
5 hours -
AEC 2024 renews momentum to lift Africa out of poverty despite global shocks
5 hours