Ghana’s President Mahama Rejects Commercialisation of Public Services
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s firm stance against the commercialisation of Ghana’s public services, stressing that essential utilities and state run services must remain accessible and oriented to public welfare rather than profit.
Speaking at a national forum, the President emphasised that while efficiency and improved performance remain priorities, the shift to fully commercial models for core services such as electricity, water, health and education would undermine the social contract between Government and citizens. He stated that his administration will pursue reform, transparency and improved service delivery but not at the cost of turning public services into purely commercial ventures.
The President pointed to the example of the state owned utility Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and other regulated entities, reaffirming that privatisation is not on the agenda. Instead, more public private collaboration under strong regulation will be explored to protect the public interest. By keeping vital services under public control, he argued, the Government ensures that Ghanaian citizens are not disadvantaged by rising tariffs, profit driven management or reduced accountability.
Noting the challenges faced by many state run enterprises, including legacy inefficiencies and debt burdens, President Mahama said reforms will target performance improvement, governance restructuring and an upgrade of infrastructure. But he warned that introducing full commercial imperatives into public utilities would risk leaving the most vulnerable without access. The goal, he said, is a public service model for all Ghanaians accessible, reliable and accountable.
The President’s message reinforces the role of public services as a social good in Ghana’s broader development agenda. With the country pursuing a reset of its economic direction and public sector reform, his remarks signal a clear boundary: while innovation and partnerships are welcome, the public nature of essential services is to be preserved.
