As part of measures to transform Ghana’s vehicle fleet into a safe, modern and environmentally efficient one, Compulsory Vehicle Standards are required to ensure that all vehicle components and parts meet the appropriate Ghana standards, the Ghana Standard Authority (GSA), the Trade Ministry and Automotive Development Centre (ADC), have scheduled plans to launch Ghana Automotive Code.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Automotive Code will ensure the proper assembly and testing confirmed by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and a Homologation Certificate issued.

The Ghana Standards Authority has played a vital role in this process by developing standards and regulating various aspects of the industry.

As a result, four key standards have been established, covering new saloon cars, SUVs, minibuses, minivans, pickups, and used vehicles in general.

To create awareness of these standards and their impact on the Ghanaian automotive industry, the GSA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ghana Automotive Development Centre (GADC), will launch the Ghana Automotive Code on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.

Prior to the launch, the Centre will host a two-day exhibition of vehicles assembled in Ghana, from Tuesday, October 24 to Wednesday, 25^th Otober, 2023. The exhibition will showcase the remarkable progress made by the Ghanaian automotive industry in terms of innovation, technology, and adherence to international manufacturing standards.

Members of the Ghana Insurers Association and the Ghana Association of Banks will be present at the exhibition. This provides a unique platform for them to showcase products and packages that support easy financing and insurance of vehicles.

It also presents an opportunity to explore potential partnerships and opportunities within the automotive sector and the remarkable achievements of the Ghanaian automotive industry.

The Director General of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Alex Dodoo, commenting on the automotive code indicated that the release of the Ghana Automotive Code in the coming days will better govern motorists’ activities in the country.

Policy Mandate to Operate

It comes after the Ministry of Trade and Industry gave the GSA a policy mandate to operate as the country’s vehicle regulator.

Prof. Dodoo noted that “Okadas are not regulated, and as a result, most of its drivers do not follow traffic directives… they behave as if the road is theirs, putting lives at risk.”

The Director General of the Ghana Standards Authority opined that about 50 per cent of road crashes in the country can be attributed to commercial motorbikes, popularly known as “Okada”

“In the next few days, you will see us launching the Ghana Automotive Code. The amount of deaths attributed to Okada is too much… and this is because they are not regulated,” the Director General of the Ghana Standards Authority said.

According to Prof. Dodoo, the country’s strict enforcement of regulations can help reduce unemployment.

“We have reached a time period where the safety of Ghanaians can only be ensured by following the rules, and these rules must be enforced. I dare say that if we, as a country, decide to enforce the directives of our LI’s (Legislative Instruments), we can create multiple job opportunities,” Prof. Dodoo said.