Kufuor inaugurates 'Fleet Renewal Project'

As part of the President's vision to make the private sector the engine of growth in Ghana, 250 coach buses have been commissioned for private transport owners.

This was done at the inauguration of 250 Yutong buses in Ghana under the government-private sector fleet renewal project and officially launched by President Kufuor Monday.

The project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Transportation, the Agricultural Development Bank, Intercontinental Bank and J A Plant Pool- a sister company of Zoomlion Ghana limited.

Speaking at the ceremony at the Independence Square in Accra, President Kufuor noted that this project is going to create incomes and job opportunities for Ghanaians.

The president stressed that, since 2001, the government has been working hard to transform the private sector into an engine of growth in Ghana, and with the partnership of JA plant Pool this vision has finally come to fruition.

The acting General Manager of JA Plant Pool, Isaac Krampah in his remarks thanked the president for considering this project as part of his vision.

He explained: "It is in line with this policy of private sector development, that we at JA Plant Pool have found the opportunity to grow our business to provide durable Yutong buses to Ghanaian transport companies to improve their operations.'

Mr. Krampah mentioned that, JA Plant Pool"s partnership with Yutong Company of China will enable them distribute Yutong buses in Ghana.

 As well, Yutong has trained Ghanaian mechanics in China and Ghana and adequately resourced them to provide valuable after sales services at their centers in Accra, Tamale, and Takoradi.

At the ceremony, the Minister of Transportation, Richard Anane disclosed that this project is intended to replace old and decrepit vehicles in the transport system which has proven to be major road hazards, and to provide modern, durable and comfortable transportation for inter-city travel in the country.

He indicated that, the success of the 'Kufour buses' in intra city transport is a testimony of government"s commitment.

The difference however, is that instead of direct involvement, government is facilitating the empowerment of the private transportation sector to improve its service.

According to the Minister, J A Plant Pool is supporting this effort not only by sourcing the buses at favorable terms, but will assure a consistent servicing and maintenance regime backed by genuine spare parts available throughout the year.

"The Ministry and the government of Ghana applaud the dynamism of the private road transport owners and entrepreneurs, without whose commitment the transportation sector would have collapsed a long time', he stated.