Atlas Rent-A-Car, a leading Ghanaian owned car rental firm has officially opened its modern corporate head office, with a call on government to help promote and facilitate the car rental industry, as it plays a pivotal role in the country’s tourism sector.
The capital intensive sub-sector, the car rental industry, has been neglected by successive governments and this is greatly impeding the operations of the industry which employs huge numbers of drivers and also helps promote tourism.
Mr. Akwasi Marfo, Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Rent –A-Car, speaking with B&FT after the opening of the office complex in Dansoman, a suburb of Accra said, “The Ghana Tourism Authority needs to support the car rental businesses by facilitating and promoting players in the industry to attract sustainable businesses.
The Ministry of Tourism should give more attention to the car rental industry since it’s a key contributor to Tourism in Ghana. The government agencies must engage the services of the association to facilitate the movement of guests and tourists during conferences and other international gatherings.”
He added “I have attended about four Ministry of Tourism’s seminars this year, I was shocked, the officials did not mention car rentals business or associations but will only talk about hotels. If you talk about hospital sector—it is not only hotels.
We are not saying come and give us cash but facilitate the sector to make deals during major conferences, events and meetings. This will promote the industry to grow and generate the needed employment and the well-being of the youth as well.”
Confirming the viability of the car rental business in the country, Mr. Marfo explained that the sector holds great potential in creating jobs for the teaming youth, adding that firms in recent times are subletting their transport department to the car renting companies to help minimize operational cost.
Mr. Marfo, who is also the Vice President of the Ghana Car Rental Association, also bemoaned the lack of financial support as one of the numerous challenges facing the car rental business in Ghana.
He indicated that financial institutions reluctantly give support to the car rental industry, this is greatly affecting the operations of the industry, adding that car renting business is a capital intensive hence the support of financial institutions is very much needed to run it successfully.
He urged other players in the industry to embrace the technological change in the area of vehicular safety and security to protect staff drivers and passengers. “Most of my cars have security and safety systems which protects the drivers and the passengers as well as against car theft.”
Atlas Rent-A-Car is a multiple award winning exclusive car renting and Transport Company spanning over 17 years. It serves both private and corporate clientele base as well as governmental and the diplomatic community. It services plays a pivotal role in the country’s hospitality industry.
Atlas Rent-A-Car currently operates three branches; Accra, Takoradi and Kumasi with a fleet size of over 70. It is best known for professionalism, safety-mindedness and attention to detail for its corporate and individual clients.
The official dedication of the office was officiated by Rev Fr. Benjamin Ohene from St Thomas Aquainas Catholic Church, Cantonments, It was supported by the Guest of Honour, Nenyi George Andah, Deputy Minister of Communications, The President of Ghana Car Rental Association Mr. Seth Yeboah Ocran among other dignities.
