Ghana - Learn your Lessons.

If you had to choose between an increase in knowledge and the ability to learn lessons, which would you choose?
This is a question that Ghana as a nation must ask herself. Apparently, when it comes to the role of government in promoting a vibrant economy, Ghanaians do not place much premium on learning lessons.
Recently, there was a big public outcry against the Ghana government's decision to sell 70% of Ghana Telecom (GT) to Vodafone. Opposition parties, community activists, Non-Profit organizations and the general public all argued that GT was a strategic company, the sale of which would amount to a surrender of national sovereignty.
This is not the first time Ghanaians have opposed the sale of state owned companies (SOC's).
A few years ago the nation opposed the sale of the Ghana water & Sewerage Company. This was a company which since its inception has never been able to generate and distribute potable water to Ghanaians. In fact, Ghanaians cannot list a single SOC that has been able to perform its functions in a consistently dependable and competent manner. Ghanaians pay for the installation of pipes in their homes to receive water, but regularly experience days without running water.
The Electricity Company of Ghana is another champion of unadulterated incompetence. Power outages are so rampant that Ghanaians begin to wonder whats wrong when we experience 3 days without an outage.
Ghanaians have not learnt the valuable lesson that governments should not be in the business of running businesses. Why should governments stay out of business? Because the very nature of government is intrinsically diametrically opposed to the principle which makes for a successful business, namely, accountability. Reuven Brenner, an economist, phrased it best when he said prosperity is created when talent and capital are matched and both are held accountable.
The government's role should be confined to the creation of a conducive environment within which citizens can live, pursue business and enjoy leisure, PERIOD.
A lesson learnt, is a mistake not repeated.