The Deputy Presidential Spokesperson of the governing National Democratic Congress, Shamima Muslim, has weighed in on Ghana’s long-running debate over privatisation and state involvement in key sectors, as investigations into the PDS-ECG scandal continue.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana, she said discussions over private sector participation in the economy have been ongoing under successive governments, with the New Patriotic Party historically positioning itself as a strong advocate for privatisation and private capital investment.
She noted that the idea behind that approach has been to expand economic opportunities, create jobs for young people, and reduce pressure on the public sector.
However, she said critics argue that the expected results have not fully materialised, pointing to continued strain on public employment and a growing wage bill.
Shamima Muslim also referenced concerns often raised in public debate about how state institutions interact with private firms, including allegations that politically connected companies have sometimes benefited from state-related contracts. She stressed that such claims remain contested.
On the role of the state, she said supporters argue that public institutions can still drive development and create jobs when properly managed, citing examples such as Ghana Commercial Bank and Agricultural Development Bank as institutions that have performed well under state ownership.
Touching on the Electricity Company of Ghana and wider reforms in the power distribution sector, she said the National Democratic Congress supports a model that allows targeted private sector participation, but with strong regulation and oversight.
According to her, the aim is to improve efficiency, reduce losses, address illegal connections, and strengthen revenue collection.
She said this approach should not be seen as opposition to private involvement, but rather a structured system designed to protect public interest.
Her comments come as the Bureau of National Intelligence continues investigations into the controversial PDS ECG concession agreement.
Four people linked to the case have been arrested as part of the probe. They are Philip Ayensu, Viraj Phat, Sophia Korkor, and Justice Menka Premoh.
Government Communications Minister, Felix Kwakye Ofosu said in a social media post that the arrests are connected to alleged transfers of large sums of money believed to belong to the Electricity Company of Ghana.
He added that the suspects have been granted bail while investigations continue, and said the arrests form part of the government’s Operation Recover All Loots initiative.
The PDS-ECG deal, which was later terminated, has remained a central point in Ghana’s political debate over privatisation, state control, and accountability in public asset management.
