Government will not interfere in management of SOEs - Finance Minister

Accra, Aug. 19, GNA - Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffuor on Wednesday reiterated government's pledge not to interfere in the management of state- owned enterprises (SOEs). Speaking during a short ceremony in Accra, during which the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) presented an amount of GH¢6 million to government as dividend for 2007 and 2008 financial years, Dr Duffuor said government would give management of SOEs the free hand to run their affairs.

"Government believes that by giving state -owned enterprises the freedom to run their operations, they would be better placed to contribute to the development of the economy through jobs creation and payment of dividend to expand government's fiscal space," he said. He said it was disheartening that only few SOEs were paying dividends and contributing to meeting the country's development needs.

Dr Duffuor reminded the management of SOEs that government expected nothing less than very good performances in their areas of operation as efforts were being made to resolve the challenges facing them. The Minister assured the GPHA of government's support in dealing with the challenges of cumbersome customs clearance procedures and inadequate space for development, illegal use of transit and trans-shipment facilities.

Mr Mike Hammah, Minister of Transportation, said the world economic downturn affected the operations of the port.

He said with the necessary support to attract investors, the GPHA would be able to contribute to economic development through creating employment opportunities for the youth. 19 Aug. 09