Otumfuo urges privatisation of the energy sector for economic growth, job creation
The Asantehene who made these remarks at the commissioning of the Genser Energy Gyegyetreso Gas Pipeline at Anwomaso in Kumasi emphasized the potential for job creation through private sector-led industrial initiatives.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has stressed the need for a shift in Ghana’s economic strategy, advocating for increased private sector involvement in industry development.
He says the government should primarily be in policymaking rather than directly setting up and managing companies.
The Asantehene who made these remarks at the commissioning of the Genser Energy Gyegyetreso Gas Pipeline at Anwomaso in Kumasi on Wednesday (17 April) emphasized the potential for job creation through private sector-led industrial initiatives.
“It’s about time that the government realizes that it’s not going to work for the government to set 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.
“VRA and all other establishments, let’s diversify them into the private sector and get more money there. Let’s give them the money and get the qualified and right people to do it. Electricity Company is in a situation where we don’t know, we must diversify and give it to the private sector.
“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. 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.”
The Genser pipeline network spans about 430 km and consists of 23 gas stations. The network is divided into three phases: phase one (BP01), phase two (PP01), and phase three (PP02).
The main supply of natural gas starts from the Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas) at Prestea Regulating and Metering Station (PRMS). The first phase spans from Prestea to Tarkwa to Damango and ends at the Golden Star Resource, Wassa Mine.
The second phase stretches from Prestea to Gyegyetreso to Manukrom. There is a Branch Point Station (BPS) between Prestea and Gyegyetreso at Humjibre. From Humjibre BPS, the pipeline extends to Chirano, where there is a Regulating and Metering Station (RMS).
The third phase is from Gyegyetreso to Anwomaso in the Ejisu Municipality of the Ashanti Region. The phase three pipeline network (PP02) is 110 km in length and consists of five gas stations.
Reporting By Jonathan Ofori, Ashanti Region
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