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 mobile 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.