Second Anti-Counterfeit Electrical Products Sensitisation Slated For Sunyani

Accra, Jan. 9, CDA Consult – The second in a series of stakeholder engagement workshop, which seeks to raise awareness of the threats posed by counterfeit electrical products is slated for the third week of March at Sunyani, Brong Ahafo Region.

Communication for Development and Advocacy (CDA Consult) sponsors and organisers of the workshop explained that the second workshop dubbed: “Avoid Patronage of Counterfeit Electrical Products,” will be used to engage industry leaders and government officials on the dangers of counterfeiting.

Mr Francis Ameyibor, Executive Director of CDA Consult in an interview to outline the second Anti-Counterfeit Electrical Products workshop explained that it is important to create a collaborative platform among stakeholders - businesses, governments and law enforcement agencies to holistically deal with the emerging problem.

He explained that CDA Consult is collaborating with the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Security Agencies, Electricity Company of Ghana, National Fire Service, the Media, Electrical Contractors, Manufacturers and Dealers in electrical products as well as larger community to ensure that a safe environment is created.

Mr Ameyibor called on stakeholders especially dealers and manufacturers in electrical products to join forces with CDA Consult for the public education and sensitisation against patronage of counterfeit electrical products through: [email protected] , “we must work together, no blame game and no room for observer status”.

“Our target is to collaborate with numerous stakeholders, the certification industry and law enforcement to create a public enlightenment platform for consumers, contractors and distributors to raise their awareness about electrical counterfeits.

“Counterfeiting is becoming a growing problem worldwide and Ghana for more than a decade has increased exponentially.

“We are facing a growing threat to the economy and to public safety. We must work together with law enforcement, industry players and actors, and regulatory agencies to combat the rise in counterfeit trafficking in Ghana,” Mr Ameyibor noted.

CDA Consult believes that collaboration is the key for the development of innovative strategies for defeating counterfeiters in the electrical sector whose activities are endangering lives and properties.

He said following the successful first workshop at Ho, Volta Region; the second workshop would also engage and challenge all participants to work together to share and develop Regional Roadmap to combat electrical counterfeiting.

Institutions expected to participate in the Brong Ahafo, “Avoid Patronage of Counterfeit Electrical Products,” workshop includes; Ghana Standards Authority, the Regional Police Command, Regional ECG, Ghana Revenue Authority Custom Division, Electrical Contractors, and Dealers and Manufacturers of Electrical Products.

Others include: Procurement Officers from strategic institutions including; the Banks, Schools, Hospitals, Shop Owners, Traditional and Religious Leaders, the Regional Coordinating Council, and Media Practitioners.

Mr Ameyibor commended the Ghana Standards Authority, Volta Regional Police Command, Regional Fire Service, ECG Regional Officials, National Commission on Civic Education, and the Volta Regional Coordinating Council for the tremendous input into the Volta Regional workshop.

The CDA Consult Executive Director also commended the media for the projection of the workshop and ensuring that the public are educated on the negative impact of counterfeit electrical products.