On January 28, 2021, the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) convened with the Ghana Automobile Distributors Association (GADA) at Standards Height in Accra to address critical issues surrounding the Automotive Vehicle Homologation and Conformity Assessment Programme. The meeting aimed to foster dialogue and resolve concerns to ensure the program’s effective implementation, balancing regulatory compliance with the economic realities faced by Ghana’s automotive sector.
Addressing Economic Concerns
GADA representatives raised concerns about the homologation fee, highlighting the financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the limited size of Ghana’s new vehicle market. They urged the GSA to reconsider the fee structure to support businesses navigating these challenges. In response, GSA Director-General Prof. Alex Dodoo acknowledged the need for further discussions to reach a mutually agreeable solution. “We must find a balance that ensures compliance without overburdening the industry,” Dodoo emphasized, signaling openness to collaborative solutions.
Strengthening Government Procurement
A key proposal from Prof. Dodoo was to deepen engagement with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Trade and Industry, and the Public Procurement Authority. He suggested making the Homologation Certificate a mandatory criterion for government vehicle procurement. “These engagements will ensure that government prioritizes certified vehicles, enhancing safety and standards,” he noted. This move aims to align public sector purchasing with the GSA’s regulatory framework, boosting compliance across the board.
Consensus on Transit Vehicles
A significant outcome of the meeting was the agreement that vehicles imported for transit to other countries should be exempt from the homologation process. This decision reflects a practical approach to streamlining regulations for vehicles not intended for Ghana’s roads, reducing costs for importers while maintaining focus on local safety standards.
GSA Mark of Conformity
The discussions concluded with a commitment to place the GSA Mark of Conformity on vehicles that meet homologation requirements. This mark serves as an official endorsement that a vehicle complies with health, safety, and environmental standards set by the GSA. Homologation, the process of certifying vehicles or their components against regulatory benchmarks, is central to ensuring road safety and environmental protection in Ghana’s growing automotive industry.
Building a Robust Automotive Framework
Since November 2019, the GSA has developed 26 standards to regulate Ghana’s automotive sector, responding to its rapid growth. The collaboration with GADA underscores the Authority’s commitment to involving stakeholders in shaping policies that are both practical and effective. By addressing concerns like fees and transit exemptions, the GSA aims to create a sustainable framework that supports businesses while prioritizing consumer safety.
Moving Forward
The January 2021 meeting marks a pivotal step in refining Ghana’s vehicle homologation process. Ongoing engagements with GADA and government bodies will be crucial to fine-tuning fees and integrating standards into public procurement. As Ghana’s automotive industry evolves, this dialogue ensures that safety and economic viability remain at the forefront, fostering a stronger, more compliant market.
