The Convention People's Party (CPP) has called for the protection, revival, and proper management of Ghana's state-owned enterprises as the country marks the 117th birthday of its founder, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. In a statement, the party expressed concern about the deterioration of some state-owned enterprises and the sale of others to politically connected individuals. This, they believe, is contrary to Nkrumah's commitment to nationalism, self-reliance, and state-led development.
The CPP's National Communications Director, Osei Kofi Acquah, signed the statement, which opposed the government's proposed private-sector participation in the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). The party views this arrangement as an attempt to privatise the utility, despite the government's assurance that it does not involve the sale or transfer of ownership. The Energy Ministry has stated that the initiative aims to bring private-sector expertise into aspects of ECG's operations while maintaining state ownership.
The CPP insists that strategic state-owned companies can be effectively managed by Ghanaians if properly governed. The party argues that it is illogical to believe that over 30 million Ghanaians cannot manage a company or factory, but a single individual can. The CPP is calling on the government to restore, revamp, and maintain state-owned enterprises and companies, which they believe can contribute to job creation and revenue generation.
The call comes as Ghana marks the 117th anniversary of Dr Nkrumah's birth on September 21, 2026. Nkrumah, who led the country to independence in 1957, championed economic independence, industrialisation, and Pan-Africanism. The CPP said the occasion should be used to renew commitment to the principles associated with Nkrumah's political and economic vision.
The party's position comes amid an ongoing national debate over the future of state-owned enterprises and the role of private-sector participation in public utilities. The State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) currently lists ECG among Ghana's state-owned enterprises, wholly owned by the Government of Ghana. The CPP concluded its statement by calling for the preservation of Nkrumah's legacy of nationalism, patriotism, and Pan-Africanism.
The CPP's statement reflects the party's commitment to upholding Nkrumah's ideals and vision for Ghana. The party urged the government to prioritize the interests of Ghanaians in managing state-owned enterprises. This, they believe, will ensure that the benefits of these enterprises are shared equitably among citizens.
The government's proposed private-sector participation in ECG and other state-owned enterprises remains a contentious issue. While the government sees it as a way to improve efficiency, critics like the CPP argue that it could lead to privatisation and undermine the country's economic sovereignty. The debate is expected to continue as Ghana seeks to balance economic growth with social and economic development.
Key points
- The CPP is calling for the protection and revival of state-owned enterprises to honour Dr Nkrumah's vision for nationalism and self-reliance.
- The party opposes the government's proposed private-sector participation in the Electricity Company of Ghana, viewing it as an attempt to privatise the utility.
- The CPP believes that state-owned enterprises can be effectively managed by Ghanaians if properly governed, and can contribute to job creation and revenue generation.
