The Chamber of Automobile Dealership Ghana (CADEG) has made a resounding call for its certified members in the auto dealership industry to be granted a fair share of the business associated with locally assembled vehicles.

This plea was made by the President of CADEG, Nana Adu Bonsu Agyekum, during a speech delivered at the launch of the Ghana Automotive Code and an accompanying exhibition of Made-in-Ghana vehicles on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.

Emphasizing the significance of fostering strong partnerships and cooperation within the domestic automotive sector, Nana Adu Bonsu Agyekum highlighted the positive impact such a collaboration would have on local business investments and the growth of automobile and spare parts dealerships, thereby contributing to Ghana's economic development.

Expressing his gratitude, Nana Adu Bonsu Agyekum, who also serves as the CEO of NABUS Motors, commended the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Transport, Ghana Standards Authority,the Ghana Automotive Development Center (GADC) and Automobile Assemblers Association of Ghana (AAAG) for leading this transformative initiative.

He recognized their instrumental role in shaping the future of Ghana's automotive industry.

"This exhibition proudly displays vehicles assembled in Ghana, underscoring our unwavering commitment to meet international standards. Furthermore, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity for the financial and insurance sectors to present products that will facilitate vehicle financing and insurance, which will align seamlessly with the goals of the Ghana Automotive Policy and to make vehicles more accessible to our fellow Ghanaians."

"Finally, CADEG, as an advocacy group, we wish to encourage that our members across the country in the used and the brand new auto industry are offered a fair share of businesses in the locally assembled vehicles to deepen the long-standing relationship as well as to influence the local business investment and spare parts dealership in Ghana. We strongly believe that this request would be humbly received"he noted.

Nana Adu Bonsu Agyekum expressed his confidence that the launch of the Ghana Automotive Code by the Ghana Standards Authority, coupled with the impressive exhibition of locally assembled vehicles, would positively influence the local automotive sector.

He believes that this influence will lay the foundation for 'Made in Ghana' brands to receive global recognition.

Furthermore, the President of CADEG reaffirmed the Chamber's commitment and mission to revolutionize the landscape of the automobile industry in Ghana.

He stated that CADEG is dedicated to nurturing fair competition and cultivating prosperous relationships among industry members, stakeholders, and government, with the aim of bringing about profound change and partnerships.

Nana Adu Bonsu Agyekum disclosed that in their quest to advocate for the streamlining of the automobile industry in Ghana, CADEG has established partnerships with various state agencies, including the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority, Ghana Shippers Authority, Ghana Standards Authority, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Ghana Automotive Development Centre, the Criminal Investigation Department, Auto Theft Department, Interpol Ghana of the Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA).

These partnerships, he explained, have paved the way for a series of high-impact stakeholder engagements. This year, CADEG hosted two major events, one in Accra at Erata Hotel in January, and the second in Kumasi at Lancaster Hotel in June. These events delved into crucial topics such as the "recent confiscation of some imported vehicles and matters arising" and "addressing challenges facing trade facilitation in Ghana."

Nana Adu Bonsu Agyekum also highlighted CADEG's role as a beacon for positive transformation in the Ghanaian automobile sector. According to him, CADEG's vision is to ensure a level-playing field between the vehicle assemblers and the certified auto dealerships to maximize the opportunities available in the industry.

The call by CADEG for a fair share of locally assembled vehicles in Ghana reflects a crucial step towards enhancing the local automotive sector and driving economic growth in the nation.

As partnerships and cooperation among stakeholders continue to strengthen, the prospect of "Made in Ghana" vehicles gaining global recognition becomes increasingly promising.