(4th left) DCOP Mrs. Faustina Agyeiwaa Kodua Andoh-Kwofie, CID Director General, with the CADEG delegation and the Head of Interpol Ghana
In a bid to improve the operations of Ghana’s auto industry, the Chamber of Automobile Dealership Ghana (CADEG), led by its president, Nana Adu Bonsu, has joined forces with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, Interpol Ghana and the Auto-theft Unit, among other key stakeholders.
The partnership was solidified during a courtesy by the National Executives of CADEG to the CID headquarters in Accra. The purpose of the visit was to update the CID on CADEG’s activities, and seek their support in enhancing the industry’s credibility, while also creating better opportunities for Ghanaians involved in the used vehicle trade.
The President of CADEG, Nana Adu Bonsu, who is also the CEO of NABUS Motors, appealed to the CID of the Ghana Police Service for assistance in establishing an enabling environment that would benefit both parties. He expressed confidence that collaborating with CID would ensure compliance with industry regulations, elevate standards, and ultimately boost government revenue for national development.
Nana Adu Bonsu stressed that “the automobile industry in Ghana holds immense potential. It has the power to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the development of our great nation”.
DCOP Mrs. Faustina Agyeiwaa Kodua Andoh-Kwofie, the Director General of CID, warmly welcomed the CADEG delegation and commended their efforts in bringing professionalism, trust and compliance with industry regulations in combating vehicle crime in Ghana.
Collaboration
She emphasised the importance of close collaboration among all stakeholders in the automobile industry to effectively address vehicle-related criminal activities, which have tarnished Ghana’s reputation as a hub for stolen vehicles on the global stage.
While acknowledging the significant role played by the used vehicle industry in Ghana’s socio-economic development, Mrs Andoh-Kwofie lamented that a few unscrupulous individuals among automobile dealers had dented the industry’s image.
She, therefore, urged CADEG’s leadership to work together with other stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to streamline the system and dispel the negative perception associated with Ghana.
The CID Director General expressed concern over Ghanaian businessmen falling victim to insurance fraud schemes orchestrated by individuals outside the country, especially US and Canada where most of these complaints emanate from, with adverse implications for Ghana’s economy and in the eyes of the international community.
She reaffirmed the Ghana Police Service commitment to the Chamber to building synergies with international law enforcement agencies to effectively investigate and deal with insurance fraud cases, thereby safeguarding potential victims from falling prey to fraudsters.
Mrs. Andoh-Kwofie also highlighted instances where criminals infiltrated the automobile industry, importing and selling stolen vehicles. She assured that the CID had implemented measures to continue apprehending such criminals and expressed gratitude to CADEG for partnering with state institutions to combat this menace.
Support
Chief Superintendent Naomi A. Acquah, the Head of Interpol Ghana, encouraged CADEG to maintain their partnership with the unit in order to root out any defiant automobile dealers. She pledged Interpol Ghana support to CADEG to bolster the efforts aimed at eradicating illegal activities within the industry.
The National Chairman of CADEG, Mr. Eddie Kusi Ankomah, reiterated CADEG’s commitment to establishing a level playing field that fosters productive relationships between members of the automobile industry, major stakeholders, and the government. By maintaining fair competition and prosperity, he said CADEG aims to build an attractive and resilient automobile industry in Ghana.
Mr. Eddie Kusi Ankomah, who is also the CEO of Erata Motors, expressed willingness to provide inclusive leadership and strong advocacy to engage with stakeholders and the government in formulating policies that affect the auto industry. Such collaboration, he stressed, would ensure growth and prosperity for CADEG members while fostering a resilient automobile industry in Ghana.
Executive Secretary of CADEG, Mr George Dumenu, also reaffirmed his outfit’s determination to involve all stakeholders in partnership with law enforcement agencies to eliminate bad actors from the industry. He commended the CID for apprehending criminals who exploit vehicle sales for criminal purposes.
The CADEG delegation included the National Chairman of CADEG, Mr. Eddie Kusi Ankomah; CADEG Executive Secretary, Mr George Dumenu; CADEG Coordinator, Mr. Odonkor Ayertey Vincent; Eric Asamoah, and Eric Frempong.
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