Accra, May 14, Ghanadot/GNA -
Alhaji Amadu Seidu, Minister of State at the
Presidency, on Thursday called on the media to go
beyond their
watchdog role and take practical step to directly contribute
to the
socio-economic transformation of the country.
He made the call at the opening of the maiden auto
exhibition dubbed Autoshow 2009, organised by the Business
and Financial Times (B&FT)
newspapers, one of the leading business
information providers in Ghana and West Africa.
The three-day exhibition, under the theme: "Making the Right
Automotive Choices to Ensure Safety on our Roads", was
designed to
ultimately address concerns about the rising cases of motor
accidents.
About 40 exhibitors, including automobile trading companies,
oil
marketing companies, insurance companies, banks and vehicle
tracking
companies are participating in the event which was
co-sponsored by
Zain Communications, Total Ghana Limited, Universal Motors,
Accra
Brewery Limited, Aqua-in and Joyfm.
The Minister noted that apart from the watchdog role the
media
had played to return Ghana to parliamentary democracy in
1992, they
could make direct contribution to the socio-economic
development of
the country.
"I therefore urge the media to take a cue from what B&FT has
done
to help bring about the much needed socio-economic
transformation of our society," he
said.
Alhaji Seidu said government would continue to create the
enabling environment for initiatives such as the work
undertaken by
the B&FT, particularly initiatives geared towards addressing
a grave
national concern.
He noted that over the years, road safety had been
compromised
largely due to poor vehicular maintenance, inadequate public
education and low level of
regulation enforcement.
"It is our hope that this exhibition will sensitize vehicle
owners and users on the need to buy and keep their
automobiles in good and
serviceable condition, buy genuine auto-parts and remain
disciplined on our roads," he said.
Alhaji Seidu entreated the public to patronise genuine auto
parts
and accessories, saying that it helped to reduce vehicular
breakdown,
maintenance cost and ultimately ensured safety.
He said beginning from this year, the Driver and Vehicle
Licensing Authority (DVLA) had started revising road safety
standards,
set up model National Drivers Training Institutions in Accra
for
various categories of vehicles and also set up separate
standards for
commercial, heavy duty and mass transport drivers, all in a
bid to
ensure road safety.
"The National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) will also be
resourced to produce and distribute education materials and
also
install speed cameras and vehicle speed limiters to check
indiscipline
on our roads," he said.
Mrs Edith Adarkwa, Executive Director of B&FT said the show
would
serve as a meeting point for industry players and
prospective buyers,
and ensure that buyers got value for money.
Mr Ransford Nyarko, Marketing Director of Zain Ghana, said
available statistics showed that Ghana lost US$165 million
(1.6 per
cent of GDP) a year through road accidents, adding that Zain
came
onboard to help avert the situation.
He said during the show, exhibitors and visitors would enjoy
free
internet service on Zain 3.5G within the exhibition area.
GNA
