US embassy cable - 05ACCRA181

UNCLAS ACCRA 000181 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
PLEASE PASS TO DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FOR RASHIDA PETERSEN 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ECON, ECPS, EINV, GH 
SUBJECT: WESTEL UPDATE: GOG AGREES TO PARTICIPATE IN 
ARBITRATION 
 
REF: 03 STATE 269530 
 
1. (SBU) The GoG has agreed to participate in the arbitration 
case filed against it by Westel parent Western Wireless 
International (WWI).  This reversal of the GoG's previously 
stated position was announced in a letter to Westel Director 
Bill Taylor December 17.  This decision followed AF/W Office 
Director Arietti's discussion of the business climate in 
Ghana with Ambassador Fritz Poku on December 14 (reftel).  On 
January 19 the GoG named former UK Lord Chancellor, Lord 
Irvine (first Labor Party Lord Chancellor in the UK) as its 
arbitrator.  According to Taylor, Minister of Communications 
Kan Dapaah followed this up with an informal invitation to 
submit a white paper outlining possible points for informal 
negotiations. 
 
2. (SBU) In discussion with EconOff, Taylor expressed 
satisfaction with the GoG's decision on arbitration 
participation.  For this reason Post is proposing modified 
language --via e-mail to the desk-- for a letter in clearance 
to President Kufuor from the Secretary of State on AGOA 
eligibility. 
 
3. (SBU) COMMENT: The quick naming of a reputable arbitrator 
indicates the GoG may finally be ready to seriously involve 
itself in the arbitration process and differs from delaying 
tactics used in prior cases involving US companies.  Post 
will continue to monitor developments closely.  END COMMENT. 
YATES