Otumfuo urges gov’t to diversify GRIDCo, ECG, VRA

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged the government to face the realities of the economic landscape, and prioritize policies that foster the growth of industries, leading to job creation and increased investment.

He made these remarks during the commissioning of a 430-kilometre natural gas pipeline by Genser Energy, aimed at bolstering the nation’s power sector.

Additionally, he suggested diversifying public enterprises like the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), by involving the private sector, to ensure essential financial investments.

“It’s about time that the government realized that it’s not going to work for the government to be involved in setting up companies without involving the private sector; it doesn’t work. The government should confront policies and involve the private sector and you can attract more investors into the country which will create more employment,” he said.

“VRA and others are all government establishments; let’s give it out and diversify them into the private sector and get more money there and get the right people to do it. GRIDCo and others, let’s give them the money and get the qualified people, diverse government from it and let them work. Electricity Company is in a situation where we don’t know, but that also must be diversified and given to the private sector,” the Asantehene added.

Facing reality

He questioned “why are we still holding on when we don’t have the money. We’re not able to collect all the taxes we want, we’re going to IMF and all those for money. We’re hanging onto industries we cannot maintain and run.”

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II believes “it’s about time we face reality and decide on what government should be doing and what the private sector should be doing. This is a testimony of the private sector, and they were able to attract investors.”

 

Read Full Story