Ugandan Premier pays tribute to Ghana’s democracy
The Prime Minister of Uganda, Mr Ruhakana Rugunda, has paid glowing tribute to Ghana's democracy. Hailing it as one of the best on the African continent, Mr Rugunda was particularly grateful to Ghana's first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, for leading the fight for Africa's liberation from colonial rule.
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The Prime Minister told a Ghanaian delegation led by a Deputy Minister of Energy, Mr John Jinapor, that “Ghana played a pioneering role in the struggle for African independence. Ghana shared her experiences and resources for Africa to be free.”
He said some Ghanaians might not appreciate the good works of Dr Nkrumah but said, “to us Ugandans, Dr Nkrumah remains a towering hero in African liberation. We are very proud of his role. He spoke not only for Ghana, but also all Africans and oppressed people”.
Meeting
Mr Jinapor, who was leading a delegation on a two-week study tour of India and Uganda to gather first-hand information on the challenges and success stories of these countries with regard to private sector participation in the power sector, has since returned home.
Other members of his entourage were the Member of Parliament for Zebilla, Mr Clement Avoka; Mr Francis Arthur, Vice Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Finance; Mr James Yanwube, Deputy Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Finance, directors from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the media, Consumer Protection Agency, IMANI, Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI).
The tour would enable the participants to better understand Private Sector Participation (PSP) models and to hear directly from electricity distribution utility management and staff, government agencies, regulatory bodies, Independent Power Producers (IPPs), industries, consumer groups, and financial institutions on the lessons learned, benefits and challenges of PSP in distribution.
Ugandan experience
Mr Rugunda stated how Uganda had learnt so much from Ghana, especially in the area of infrastructural development and liberalisation in the power sector.
He said Dr Nkrumah must be commended for having the foresight to construct a hydroelectric dam at the time Ghana’s population was less than seven million.
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“This has and is still benefiting Ghanaians and other countries in West Africa,” Mr Rugunda noted.
According to him, Uganda had for the past decade liberalised its power sector and said it was important for the private sector to be encouraged to invest in the energy sector.
“Looking back, the government has not regretted in deciding to liberalise the energy sector,” the Ugandan Prime Minister added.
Mr Jinapor’s response
Expressing gratitude to the Ugandan government for its warm reception, Mr Jinapor hailed the organised nature of Kampala and said “there is a sense of discipline in the city”.
He said Ghana had commenced the process of fully deregulating the energy sub-sector and noted that “we are now looking at the distribution sector”.
According to him, the team was in Uganda to study the challenges, successes and lessons learnt in Uganda’s decision to privatise the distribution sector.
“We are honoured and privileged to have you welcome us. I convey sincere greetings from President John Dramani Mahama,” Mr Jinapor added.