Dr. David Ofosu Dorte, Senior Partner at AB & David Africa, has called on the government to adopt a more business-oriented approach in its operations, emphasizing the need for efficiency and professionalism similar to that of the private sector.
Speaking at the Swedru Conversations on Friday, February 20, 2025, at the British Council in Accra, Dr. Ofosu Dorte challenged the conventional view that economic growth must be private sector-led. Instead, he argued that growth can be driven by any sector, depending on the country’s position in the global economic landscape.
“I’m not a believer in private sector-led growth. No, I’m not, and many people find it surprising. I’m a believer in growth. Growth can be led by anybody. The strategy depends on the rank of the ladder we occupy,” he stated.
He emphasized that State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) have the potential to drive economic expansion if managed effectively. According to him, the key is appointing competent leaders and granting them the autonomy to run these enterprises profitably, rather than filling such roles with political appointees.
“The problem I have is that the government has a business doing business, but it must do business as a business. It cannot do business as a public sector,” he noted.
Dr. Ofosu Dorte cited Ethiopian Airlines as an example of a successful government-owned enterprise, arguing that with the right strategy, other state-run businesses could achieve similar profitability.
“I always cite the example of Ethiopian Airlines. It is owned by the government of Ethiopia, and it’s a very profitable airline. If Ethiopian Airlines can be profitable, anything else can be profitable. It’s how we do it,” he emphasized.
His remarks serve as a call for a shift in governance, urging the state to prioritize results-driven, business-minded economic management.
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