The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has urged the government to protect, revive and properly manage Ghana’s state-owned enterprises as the country commemorates the 117th birthday of the party’s founder, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
The party said Nkrumah’s ideals of nationalism, self-reliance and state-led economic development should continue to guide the management of Ghana’s strategic public assets.
In a statement signed by its National Communications Director, Osei Kofi Acquah, the CPP raised concerns about the declining state of some public enterprises, as well as the sale of certain state assets to individuals the party described as politically connected.
The CPP also criticised the government’s proposed private-sector participation in the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), arguing that the move amounts to an attempt to privatise the power distributor.
The government, however, has stated that the proposed arrangement does not involve the sale or transfer of ECG’s ownership. According to the Energy Ministry, the initiative is aimed at bringing private-sector expertise into selected areas of the company’s operations while ownership remains with the state.
Despite this explanation, the CPP maintains that strategic state-owned enterprises can be successfully managed by Ghanaians if they are subjected to proper governance and effective management.
“It is illogical to believe that a company, factory and state-owned enterprise cannot be properly managed by the over 30 million Ghanaians, but can be managed effectively by single individual(s),” Mr Acquah said.
The party is therefore calling on the government to restore, modernise and maintain state-owned enterprises, arguing that the institutions have the potential to create jobs and generate additional revenue for the country.
The CPP’s call coincides with the commemoration of Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s 117th birthday on September 21, 2026. Born on September 21, 1909, at Nkroful, Nkrumah played a leading role in Ghana’s independence in 1957 and championed industrialisation, economic self-reliance and Pan-Africanism.
The party said the anniversary provides an opportunity for the country to renew its commitment to the principles associated with Nkrumah’s political and economic vision.
“We are therefore on this day calling on government to restore, revamp, maintain and properly manage state-owned enterprises and companies to create employment for the numerous unemployed youth of Ghana as well as generate revenue for government.”
The CPP’s position comes amid ongoing discussions over the future of state-owned enterprises and the extent to which private-sector participation should be introduced into the management of public utilities.
The State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) lists ECG among Ghana’s state-owned enterprises and states that the company is wholly owned by the Government of Ghana.
The CPP ended its statement by urging Ghanaians to preserve the values of nationalism, patriotism and Pan-Africanism associated with Nkrumah’s legacy.
“Long live the legacies of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah. Long live Pan-Africanism. Long live Nationalism and Patriotism. Long live Mother Ghana,” the statement said.
By: Prince Martey-Sogar