PDS saga likely to affect Ghana, US relations – Haruna Atta

Former Ghana Ambassador to Namibia Alhaji Haruna Atta has expressed worry over the seeming tensions between the Ghanaian and American Governments over the PDS-ECG brouhaha.

According to him, the situation is likely to stifle diplomatic relations between both countries, if not handled with utmost care.

Government has terminated a contract between concessionaire PDS and Ghana’s Electricity Company.

The ECG announced that it had assumed full operational and financial control of the electricity distribution business in the Southern Zone of Ghana with immediate effect.

Speaking to Bola Ray on the Starr Chat Wednesday Alhaji Harun Atta said “I’m not an expert in these things but It seems there’s been some bad faith along the line and I think that is what is bringing about this confusion.”

“And now that it seems even we are picking a quarrel with the United States, I don’t think it arguers well for us. Something should be done. Those who have ben responsible for this impasse, if they have to make way, they should make way.”

When quizzed about the effect the brawl will have on both countries, he noted ”yes it’s likely to affect us if we don’t play it carefully. I think we should be very very careful about it. I’ve been reading all sorts of things I think once the bilateral relations between us and the Americas has come in, it should be left in the hands of experts. And when we are done with it, our own culprits then can be made to face the music.”

“But right now, it’s a diplomatic issue, we should handle it at that level. And like I’m saying we wont let our culprits go free, as a special prosecutor has been appointed,” he ended.

Meanwhile, the United States Government has withdrawn the second tranche of the power compact support for Ghana. As a result, the second tranche of $190million meant to improve electricity operation and extension in Ghana has been cancelled, the US embassy in Ghana announced in a statement.

“The United States of America notes this decision with regret. Based upon the conclusions of the independent forensic investigation, the U.S. position is that the transfer of operations, maintenance, and management of the Southern Distribution Network to the private concessionaire on March 1, 2019, was valid, and therefore the termination is unwarranted.

“As such, MCC has confirmed that the $190 million funds granted to Ghana at the March 1 transfer to the 20-year concession from ECG to PDS are no longer available.