Ghana Public-Private Partnership/ Private Finance Initiative Workshop

1.0 Introduction

The Government of Ghana (GoG) as part of its broad policy initiatives has decided to use Public-Private Partnership (PPP)/Private Finance Initiative (PFI) approach to procure public infrastructure and services as well as stimulate private investments in public sector projects. Private sector participation in the delivery of public projects and services has in the past, taken the form of short-term contracts for design and/or construction as well as management, but has not promoted whole life cycle costing of projects and efficiency. This has resulted in poor quality infrastructure and high maintenance costs. In line with this policy framework, the Project and Financial Analysis Unit (PFA) of the Ministry of Finance & Economic Planning (MoFEP) was created, among other things, to provide technical assistance for selection of PPP/PFIs projects through competitive bidding process. The PFA unit is also to manage PPPs/PFIs such that it provides maximum value for money for the Government. To strengthen the overall structure underpinning public investment and to assist in mounting the PFA Unit to perform its responsibilities, as well as build momentum for Government’s PPP/PFI programme, the PFA Unit organized a workshop on PPP/PFIs from November 21-22, 2008 at Elmina Beach Resort Conference Centre, Elmina, Ghana. The theme for the workshop was “Financing Ghana’s Infrastructure Needs: A Public-Private Partnership/Private Finance Approach”.

2.0 Purpose

The overall objective was to draw on the lessons learnt in the Ghanaian PPPs/PFIs market to date, how the market is likely to develop in the future and the role the PFA unit is expected to play in the market. In addition, the workshop was expected to explain the PPP/PFI concept in general and assist both the public and local private sector in understanding and participating in this new form of partnership.

3.0 Participants

The workshop gathered around 56 delegates drawn from Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), non-bank and bank financial institutions, private sector groups, multi-lateral and bi-lateral institutions, among others click here for participant list, and resulted in a valuable set of finding and conclusions.

4.0 Topics discussed

Overview of PPP/PFI Programmes

The Prospects for Public-Private Partnership in Infrastructure (Roads and Power)

PPP/PFI: Perspectives & Experience of Bankers & Financiers

Creating an Enabling Environment for PPPs – International Experience with Managing the Project Cycle

Managing Fiscal Risks from PPPs

Private Finance Initiative: The UK Experience & Prospects for Ghana

The Social Sector: PFI Schools projects in the U.K.

Financing of PPPs

The Role of IFIs in PPP Financing

Ghana’s Current Legal, Regulatory and Procurement\Contracting Environment of PPPs

The Future of the Ghanaian PPP/PFI market drawing on the past experiences

Click here To Download Conference Presentations

5.0 Agenda