The Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen, has paid a working visit to Japan Motors’ high-tech and ultra-modern automotive plant in Tema that is being built to assemble the all-new Nisan Navara in Ghana.
The Nissan vehicle assembly plant brought by Ghana’s leading automobile dealer, Japan Motors, is a giant step toward development of the country’s automobile industry and creating a path to becoming the new centre of attraction and automotive hub for the continent.
The minister was welcomed to the plant by Senior Japan Motors Executives: Assistant Managing Director, Mohammed Byrouthy; the Executive Director, Nouhad Kalmoni; and Marketing Manager, Harriet Esi Mensah. Also present was the CEO-Silver Star Auto Ltd., Asad Nazir. Alan Kyerematen was given a tour of all sections in the brand-new plant, starting with the assembly-line and ending with the tester line – where he also saw the unique water test facility.
During the tour, the minister expressed satisfaction with works done so far – which he described as impressive and truly ultra-modern. He also gave assurance of government’s support during the official commissioning and commencement of production.
Addressing the media after the visit, Mohammed Byrouthy said the company is grateful for the minister’s visit, as preparations toward the official opening are underway. “He proposed seeing the facility and our preparations toward the official launch. We’re glad he’s impressed with what he has seen so far, as this is not the only assembly plant he’s visited in the country.
“We are on track to giving the auto industry its most modern vehicle assembly plant in Ghana, and we’re inviting all to join us for the official launch – hopefully, in March this year.”
The Executive Director, Nouhad Kalmoni, described the minister’s visit as very productive. “His compliments have given us the confidence to do a good job and make Ghana proud. He’s realised we’re not taking shortcuts, having witnessed the different stages of the Assembly process.”
Mr. Kalmoni entreated Ghanaians to embrace their own and support the Japan Motors Nissan vehicle Assembly plant by purchasing its locally manufactured vehicles. “Whatever you get here is not going to be different from what is coming from Europe, Japan or South Africa. The vehicles are the same, quality is the same; and assurances from the manufacturer in terms of warranty and after-sales service from us are not going to change. We hope to make Ghana proud.”
Japan Motors’ Nissan Vehicle Assembly Plant
Japan Motors, Nissan’s long-time distributor in Ghana, has invested US$8-million into building the assembly plant. Nissan chose Japan Motors as its local assembly partner, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Japanese car maker and Ghanaian government in 2018 – when Nissan became the first Global OEM that has committed to supporting the creation of a sustainable local automotive industry.
South African engineers are working alongside their Ghanaian counterparts as they enter the final preparation phase for the official start of production. There is a considerable South African link to the plant: the Navara itself is manufactured at Nissan’s African Light Commercial Vehicle manufacturing hub in Rosslyn, outside Pretoria; while the 12 key Japan Motors engineers and technicians, including the plant manager-designate, all underwent their Nissan training in South Africa earlier this year.
