FOREIGN FIRMS ALERT GOVERNMENT ON THREATS.

Some companies, especially those which were set-up during the previous government's tenure of office, are apprehensive of the present President John Atta Mills' government.In spite of assurances by President Mills that his government "means well to the business community," the companies are having difficulty working without looking over their shoulders.Some management executives of these companies, who spoke with B&FT on condition of anonymity, said some people in government have begun harassing them with several questions about their businesses.Most of these companies are foreign-owned multinationals which have entered into big project contracts with the previous government."Having to provide answers to verbal queries with regard to how we entered the country, and which Ghanaian group or individuals facilitated our entry, among other issues, is rather frustrating,” said one foreign investor.Yet another investor explained they have no problem with government requesting explanations with regard to terms of the agreements in the contracts, "however, other matters that are extraneous to the contracts that we have to deal with becomes problematic. Our intention is to do good business in Ghana, and we can only hope for a cordial relationship with our benefactors. "However, government sources told B&FT that the government has no intention of pursuing vendettas, especially when the President is bent on working assiduously to make good his campaign promises, and also build a better Ghana for everyone."These various acts of harassment are not coming from the government, but perhaps from some individuals who want to flex their muscles and also want to pursue their own personal selfish agenda," one government official told B&FT.The government official promised that the allegations would be investigated and such culprits would be brought to book."These criminal acts do not at all reflect the philosophy, and the true intent of Professor Mills' government," the official assured.These allegations again run counter to President Mills' avowed aim. Recently, when a three-man delegation of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) called on him at the Castle, Osu, Accra, President Mills said there was need to take a fresh look at the private sector to give it the pride of place in building a robust economy.The AGI delegation, led by its President Mr. Tony Oteng-Gyasi, called to congratulate President Mills on his assumption of the high office and to reassure him of their readiness to team up with government to deliver jobs, development and prosperity.

Source:Business & Financial times