The Italian Prime Minister’s Visit To Ghana

NEWS COMMENTARY ON THE TWO-DAY STATE VISIT TO GHANA BY THE ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER MATTEO RENZI 

Even though the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has just ended his two day visit, it will not be out to talk about Ghana-Italy relations. President Mahama hosted him to a state Dinner at Flagstaff House and also held discussions with him. Mr Renzi also addressed Parliament where he made a number of profound statements. The beauty of any State visit does not lie in the pomp and pageantry associated with it but rather the economic, social and political benefits that it brings the two countries. Indeed, even the years Ghana has enjoyed excellent relations with Italy, there is no doubt that Prime Minister Renzi's visit to Ghana, a follow up to one made earlier by President Mahama to Italy, will help strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. As a nation, there are a lot of things that we can learn from Italy and also the Prime Minister himself. Indeed, Mr Renzi, made history by becoming the youngest Prime Minister of Italy since unification in 1861. At the age of 39, he was also the first person to become Prime Minister after serving as Mayor. It is also significant to add that he is the youngest leader in the G.7. In Ghana, we have made so much noise about experience. People questioned why young people, fresh graduates with no working experience should be given appointment in government. But the story of Prime Minister Renzi is an ample demonstration that age cannot be a barrier to leadership. Since coming to office, the Renzi government has implemented numerous reforms including a radical overhaul of the Italian Senate, changes to electoral system, relaxation of labour and unemployment laws with the aim of boosting economic growth and the abortion of many small taxes. Mr. Renzi also gave meaning to gender equality by appointing equal number of male and female ministers. 

Ghana and for that matter, Africa has been a major beneficiary of grants and other forms of assistance from Italy under the leadership of Mr Renzi. Indeed since his assumption of office, he did a policy review, which led to the creation of the Italy, Africa Initiative, which included renewable energy cooperation and a new package of development and in fields stretching from health care to culture. Recently the government of Italy disbursed the second tranche of a grant facility of five hundred and fifty thousand Euros to the private sector initiative in Ghana. 

Indeed, President Mahama has cause to commend Prime Minister Renzi for his unflinching support for Ghana when he hosted him last night to a dinner. Of course, it is true that no country is a father Christmas who goes about distributing freebies to other countries, it is on record that some civil society groups have raised concerns about certain agreements the government of Ghana reached with some Italian companies, especially the state owned Italian oil conglomerate, ENI, and its partners over the exploitation of the off shore Cape Three Points Block. It is the belief of a section of the Ghanaian public that, the terms and conditions in that agreement are too much tilted in favour of the Italian company, leaving little benefit for the government and people of Ghana.  We must acknowledge that, this is a concern expressed not only against the Italian company but also many other multinational companies. It appears the drafters of some of the agreement we enter into do not take into consideration a lot of lots of things. It is therefore hypocritical that today, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is complaining about the ENI agreement.  Indeed, under the watch of the NPP government, we entered into agreement with the jubilee partners for the exploration and production of oil and gas, the question is to what extent are we as a nation benefiting from the oil being produced?  What is our percentage share in the oil? Truth be told, this has been our predicaments as a nation when it comes to our natural resources. We must therefore not be selective when it comes to addressing the situation.  There is the critical need for a review of all the agreements we signed with foreign companies which are exploiting our natural resources. For now, let us not heckle Mr. Renzi with the ENI controversy. We can however say long live Ghana - Italy relations.

BY: BUBU KLINOGO, A JOURNALIST.