Which of the following is not an argument for the policy of privatization in West Africa?

Analyze the question: You are asked for the option that is NOT an argument in favour of privatization. Three options are benefits of privatization, and one is the opposite of what privatization means.

Concept: Privatization is the transfer of ownership (fully or partly) of government-owned enterprises to private individuals or organizations. The main arguments for it in West Africa are:

• Greater efficiency and profitability, since private owners want profit and cut waste.
• Wider ownership, because the public can buy shares.
• Less government financial burden, since the government no longer subsidizes loss-making enterprises.
• More capital and expertise from local and foreign investors.
• Less political interference in management.

Step-by-step evaluation:

• A. To make businesses more profitable: This is a valid argument. Private management is profit-driven, so it is an argument for privatization.
• B. Government is able to participate and control the operation of the privatized businesses: This contradicts privatization. The aim is to reduce or remove government control and participation. Continued government control is a feature of public ownership or nationalization, so this is not an argument for privatization.
• C. Members of the public are able to acquire shares: This is a valid argument, since privatization often involves selling shares to citizens (popular or wider ownership).
• D. It encourages the inflow of capital and expertise from local and foreign sources: This is a valid argument, since private investors bring funds and skills.

Answer: The option that is not an argument for privatization is B.

Exam tip: In "which is NOT" questions, look for the option that describes the opposite concept. Here, "government control" signals public ownership, not privatization. Remember: Privatization = less government, more private.