AGI calls for synergy between energy resources and imports

Accra, June 7, GNA - The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) on Wednesday called for a proper synergy between Ghana's energy resources and importation of items that depended heavily on those resources. "A certain range of expensive vehicles and home-used vehicles are a drain and account for our huge petroleum bills," it said. Speaking at the opening of the 1st International Auto Parts and Accessories Fair (IAPAF) in Ghana, Nana Owusu-Afari; First Vice President of the AGI, said revenue consideration alone should not drive policies.

Other factors, such as pressure on other sectors, road infrastructure and safety on the roads should be factored into policy development.

Nana Owusu-Afari said for an efficient and effective transportation system, standardization of imports of vehicles, parts and accessories should be streamlined.

According to him, in a situation where the free market enterprise operated, second hand parts, including engines constituted a huge burden to the economy and had been a major cause of the rising spate of road accidents.

"It is time the Ghana Standards Board (GSB) is given the necessary authority and support to play some role in this process," he said.

Nana Owusu-Afari said the AGI was hoping that there would soon be the amalgamation of companies into the assembling and manufacturing of auto spare parts.

He explained that the success of such a move would require businesspersons in the automobile industry to manage large and complex supply chains spanning many geographic regions and pursue opportunities in diverse national markets.

The fair, which is being organised by Sefi Communication and Events in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation, is under the theme: "Converging Automobile Technology for Socio-Economic Development of Africa."

Nineteen local automobile and spare parts companies are participating in the fair and exhibition. Also present is one foreign company from Cote d'Ivoire.