The Managing Editor of the “Insight” newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr., today launched a rather scathing and vitriolic attack on foreign envoys in Ghana, describing their constant intrusion in the affairs of the country as “very insulting” and an act of “annoying arrogance.”
Mr Pratt’s outburst stems from a statement attributed to the British High Commissioner in Ghana, Dr Nicholas Westcott, regarding African government’s treatment of foreign investors in relation to agreements signed by previous administrations.
Dr Westcott, at a Public Lecture organised by the Public Affairs Directorate of the University of Ghana, is quoted as having said, “the practice where incumbent governments disregard agreements signed with foreign investors by previous administrations, can scare investors from coming into the country.” According to the British Envoy, “it is not just telling foreign investors they are welcome,” but African leaders “have to prove it, to demonstrate a consistent policy and an open economy,” he added.
But the Social Democrat and CJA Chief Strategist, questioned the temerity of Dr Westcott and other diplomats to decide how the country relates with investors.
“..I feel highly insulted, when foreign diplomats begin to behave as if they are more sensible. it’s very insulting, very annoying. Annoying Arrogance! That is what I see,” he stated.
According to Mr Pratt, the record of Britain regarding its dealings with other nations and corporate institutions, was akin to the pot calling the kettle black, and accused them of double standards.
“Let’s look at Britain’s own record. You recall their arms deal with Saudi Arabia.The British said an investigation into that could jeopardize relations between them and Saudi Arabia.they shielded corrupt elements and prevented investigations into corruption allegations.so where was the High Commissioner?” he asked.
Mr Pratt questioned that if the British Serious Fraud Office (SFO) can investigate Mabey & Johnson scandal, “why can’t my government also investigate allegations of similar nature, why?” he posed.
He described foreign envoys, especially the British, as being over-bearing and drew their attention to the fact that the country was no longer under colonial rule.
“I’m tired of British diplomats coming into this country and behaving as if we are still in the colonial era. The British diplomats must understand that Ghana is no longer in the gambling house of colonialism. They are becoming over-bearing, their arrogance is getting too much.Why are we so cheap? Why do we allow this people to behave as if they are a god?” an infuriated Pratt questioned again.
Source: GhanaWeb
