RPD offers alternative in disposal of GT

Accra, Aug. 11, GNA - The Reformed Patriotic Democrats (RPD) on Monday joined in the chorus opposing the disposal of 70 per cent shares of Ghana Telecom (GT) to Vodafone and offered an alternative of 30, 30, 40 per cent that would give Ghana majority shares.

"Instead of selling 70 per cent to Vodafone, the Government can still retain 30 per cent, off-load a properly valued 40 per cent of GT shares to a strategic investor and float 30 per cent on the stock exchange for citizens," an RPD statement to the Ghana News Agency signed by Mr Francis Kyei, General Secretary, said. He said in effect this proposal will make the entire Ghana own 60 per cent and the investor 40 per cent, making Ghana a majority share owner.

Mr Kyei said GT could not be sold under the current agreement adding that every Ghanaian must oppose the sale. He described the sale agreement of 70 per cent of Ghana Telecom (GT)- the nation's only hope in telecommunications, television transmissions, national security and the fibre backbone- to a foreign investor (Vodafone) as a major headache.

Mr Kyei said "It is absolutely unreasonable for any nation to surrender her sovereignty in any instance and very expensive for the younger generation to suffer the consequences of the irresponsibility of their selfish predecessors.

"The objection to the sale of GT has moved way beyond politicking to the extent of protecting and preserving national property for which reason, most civil societies, pressure groups and most stakeholders must voice out their concern to the so called listening government," the RPD General Secretary stated.

Mr Kyei urged the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to learn from the priceless examples of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Dr J. B. Danquah, Mensah Sarbah and Dr K. A. Busia whose contributions 50 years down the line had significantly sustained the nation. He said it was shameful to dissipate the assets of the state instead of creating more or even maintaining the little. "NPP, the supposed listening government must bow their heads in shame and pray to God for forgiveness in disappointing the nation in such a manner that spells their incompetence, recklessness and lack of vision.

"It is unfortunate when people think the irresponsibility of a government appointee must necessitate the sale of a company as a solution rather than removing those incompetent appointees from office."

Mr Kyei said GT had suffered the worst calamity since its inception under the administration of NPP and the last straw that is breaking its back is the attempt to sell off 70 per cent to Vodafone. He said "We emphasise that the sale of GT will spell doom for Ghana because this is going to incapacitate the Ghana Telecom University which is the only government institute training our children and adults alike in the field of ICT, Telecom and related subjects." "Our landline services are going to be gradually grounded as Vodafone deems it unprofitable to their quest and eventually, the sad aspect of it is where, after two years Vodafone will sell the shares to Ghanaians at a fee "satisfactory to the purchaser" (Vodafone) after they have repatriated 70 per cent of profit accrued to their homeland".