Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Michael Okyere Baafi, has said government’s decision to marginally increase import duty on vehicles is part of a strategy to build local capacity for the manufacturing of vehicles in Ghana.

He said currently, Ghana does not have a complete vehicle manufacturing firm. According to him, the automobile companies in Ghana only engage in the assembling of vehicles.

Speaking during a media engagement at Koforidua, Mr. Okyere Baafi, also the MP for New Juaben South Constituency hinted that government is strategically developing the Iron and Steel industry to feed vehicle component manufacturing firms.

He entreated all, particularly spare parts dealers in Abossey Okai to support government’s agenda.

The Deputy Minister said making Ghana a manufacturing hub in the African continent will promote inclusive economic development.

Also, Mr Okyere Baafi said the Ministry is also engaging with cement manufacturers and other stakeholders to come up with a law to regulate the cement industry.

The Deputy Minister indicated that there is no legal regime governing the industry thereby new entrants are faced with unfriendly competition.

Touching on development in the New Juaben South Constituency, Mr Michael Okyere Baafi noted that Koforidua town and community roads will continue to see improvement whiles security in the municipality is being tackled.

Mr Baafi said, the construction of a Police post on the Kassadja Road, Korle Nkwanta and Mile 50 will commence this year to beef up police visibility and reduce the rate of crime within the municipality.