Three automotive firms namely, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Toyota Tsusho Corporation, and CFAO have jointly announced their intentions to manufacture and distribute vehicles in Ghana.
This move follows previous announcements by Nissan and Wolkswagen to set up a base in Ghana.
Mr. Koyote Suzuki, General Manager for the Middle East and Africa of Suzuki Motor Corporation, told President Akufo-Addo on March 19th 2019 at the Jubilee House, that, with the company producing some 1.8 million vehicles in India alone, “my mission is to find our next India in the continent of Africa.”
He stated that “our next phase of growth will come from Africa, but we need to find the right partner in Africa for manufacturing and distribution after sale of our vehicles.”
Suzuki, he said, has partnered with Toyota in Africa, and are currently working in some 26 countries.
“We came to know from Toyota that the Ghanaian government is planning to roll out a new automotive policy. We heard this from Toyota executives who paid a visit here last month. We are highly interested in participating in this initiative by the Ghanaian government. We wish to start production here, grow it and expand it,” the Suzuki General Manager added.
Mr. Masafumi Yamashita, from Toyota Tsusho Corporation, in his remarks, noted that Toyota Corporation and CFAO have the largest automotive distribution network in Africa, and have the ambition to contribute to and support further development in African countries.
“Our vision is with Africa and for Africa. This time, we commit to work together with Suzuki Motor Corporation for the future development of the automotive industry here in Africa, as a strategic partner,” he stated.
On his part, President Akufo-Addo told the gathering that “these three companies that have come together to push an idea, here in Ghana, is an idea that we have to welcome.”
His Government, he explained, is interested in developing a vibrant and dynamic automobile industry in Ghana, and has made several initiatives towards that end, graphic online reports.
“Finally, I believe we are now ready to outdoor our automotive policy which will enable people like you know what is available to you in terms of government support, and also the obligations that will be upon you, if you enter the Ghanaian space,” the President added.
Ghana’s economy is projected to grow by 7.9% this year, and the country is recognised as one of the most stable countries on the continent, where the rule of law works, President Akufo-Addo stressed that “this is architecture designed expressly to try and attract investments into our country.”
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