It is ironic that a country struggling to survive under turbulent times will use its energies and resources to chase its own industries and entrepreneurs.
If there is any element of criminality in any business deal(s), the prudent thing to do is to quietly investigate and prosecute if people are found wanting, and not to play it out in the media, even when adverse findings are made we should proceed cautiously in order not to scare away investors and the much needed investment. More importantly when these businesses are Ghanaian owned.
The private sector is and will remain the engine of growth for any country and it should enjoy a certain level of protection, from its people and its government.
We should move into an era where anytime government needs to procure materials, needs legal counsel or any other transaction that involves financial gain, the Ghanaian will be given the nod first before others are allowed in if qualified Ghanaians and businesses cannot be found.
What prevents government from partnering indigenous companies in its investment drive and giving the needed support in terms of tax breaks, incentives and protection from harassment irrespective of their political affiliation? Are they not Ghanaians? Do we always have to look yonder for solutions?
A case in point that most of us missed that I would very much like to remind us all is the Mabey and Johnson saga, the British SFO will never have taken the matter up if they (M&J) were still operating in Ghana. Vodafone will not be probed by the British SFO no matter the demands made, simply because they have always known and done what we fail to do, protecting their business interests. They even blotted out the names of their executives but mentioned ours. A Smart and thinking nation will do what they did, by protecting its people.
The same applies to the United States and the right thinking industrialized countries. When it comes to human rights issues the Americans will shout heaven and hell, but still continue to do business with China, Saudi Arabia and others, under the radar, because it’s in their interest. They need the taxes to provide for their people, and also jobs. This is not double talk, its common sense and it’s about knowing what your priorities are. The culture of always begging for salvation from other countries will not be necessary if only we’ll grow our economy around our citizenry, like others have done without prejudice. Home grown solutions are the way forward.
This government has the unenviable reputation of being anti-business and it can do more to erase this image, if it so wish. The previous administration enjoyed a lot of investments because of the fact or perception that they were business friendly and walked the talk.
History has taught us that job creation is difficult for governments and even when these jobs are created the management is so poor that they collapse in no time, it is evident across the country; our hospitals, industries, banks, communications etc. whereas their private counterparts are raking in billions and paying their workers enviable sums, the public sector is still grappling with maintaining the status quo.
The oil is here with us, let’s encourage Ghanaians to get involved, not paying lip service but supported with action. Leave the EO Group and the others alone and rather concentrate on job creation. The perennial job redistribution must stop and job creation actively embarked upon.
There is nothing wrong with facilitating Ghanaian businesses and aiding the Ghanaian businessman, and this should be extended to all who are capable and have a track record, for after all the brouhaha, the created jobs will be for Ghanaians. Taxes will be paid, standard of living will improve, we’ll stop queuing at embassies at dawn and most importantly stop running to the Devil’s Bank (IMF and World Bank).
The “ecomini” will improve, and Ghana’s interest will be served, THINK GHANA!
Dr. Charles A. Berko [email protected]