Robert Le Hunte’s appointment as this country’s minister of public utilities was not without issue.
Initially sworn-in to the position on August 24, 2017, Le Hunte eventually had his appointment as a senator and minister suspended for a few days because of his Ghanian citizenship.
That issue was eventually rectified and Le Hunte was reappointed on September 1, 2017.
He served as this country’s public utilities minister for more than two years.
And then on May 15, 2020 Le Hunte resigned from the position.
It is now going on two years since that resignation.
And so in an interview with the Business Guardian Le Hunte, the current managing director of ANSA Bank, was asked if he misses political life.
“While I was in active politics I always expressed a mantra that service to humanity is the best work of life,” Le Hunte said.
“In my humble view, I continue to provide that service to humanity in a different way via the financial service sector and therefore I do not necessarily miss frontline politics,” he said.
But would he consider a return to active politics?
To answer that question, Le Hunte referenced a quote from his father and mentor that “life is like a termite on a stick for God.”
“It means wherever the stick goes the termite is part of it, they are both bonded together. So I never say never to anything,” he said.
“Whatever I am doing, wherever I am, I am supposed to be and I do it with passion to achieve the ultimate goal. This (ANSA Bank) is where I am, this is what I am working on, and this is what I am happy doing,” Le Hunte said.
Apart from his ministerial appointment, Le Hunte also resigned as his role of vice-chairman of the People’s National Movement (PNM) last year..
Despite this Le Hunte said he has never let the party.
“I’m still a member of the PNM. And I still interact with members of the parliament on either side of the house (of representatives) to come and join the bank to provide services because this is my job,” he said.
Le Hunte said whether he is in Ghanian garb, a shirt and tie, or short pants around the Queen’s Park Savannah, he is comfortable in any setting.
“I think humility and passion are the cornerstones every professional must have,” he said.
Le Hunte said he was originally approached by former prime minister Patrick Manning when he was 26 years old to enter politics..
But Le Hunte said his father was adamant that he first establish himself in another career first.
“I was very glad for his advice because once I exited politics I was able to find avenues where I could provide service to people which is what it is all about,” he said.
During his tenure as a senator, Le Hunte also served as vice-chairman of the Roadmap to Recovery Committee which was tasked with resetting the country’s economy following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Le Hunte said he is happy to see that some of the recommendations have been followed.
He however said the situation is a dynamic one and the plans have to be reviewed.
