The newly elected national executives of the Car Rentals Association of Ghana (CRAG) have been inducted into office to steer the affairs of the association for the next five years.
The induction ceremony, which took place in Accra, was on the theme ‘The Role of Car Rental in Tourism Development’. It was graced by captains of the industry, car rental association members, traditional rulers and the clergy.
The new national executives include Michael Sarpong, President; Nii Ayitey-Adjin, Vice President; Daniel Garland, Organising Secretary; Samuel Darkwa, Treasurer; and Emmanuel Kwesi Asare, Public Relations Officer.
Michael Sarpong, the newly elected President of GRAG, in his inaugural address, pledged his commitment to tirelessly steer the affairs of the association to a new height, ensuring that every member thrives and flourishes in the vibrant car rental industry.
He added that his office will proactively engage with government agencies, advocating for CRAG’s interest and seeking opportunities for training programmes to empower its members.
While assuring the members of financial support, he noted that his office will establish an initiative that facilitates access to the financial market to enable them reduce operational cost and enhance their overall performance within the association. “Part of this support package will include facilitating the procurement of vehicles through effective solicitation and arrangements with reputable automobile dealers and manufacturers. By streamlining the process of obtaining vehicles, we aim to empower our members to operate more efficiently and competitively in the car rental industry.”
Mr. Sarpong extended his appreciation to his predecessor and his team for setting a strong foundation upon which he will build.
“Our success as an association would not have been possible without your support and the collaboration of various entities,” he further noted.
While admitting that the industry is facing numerous challenges, he was optimistic that his tenure would be characterised by of success and growth; and assured of working closely with the Ghana Police Service to address security-related matters effectively.
He also indicated that his office would engage with insurance companies to develop special insurance packages for the association’s members while enabling the implementation of a convenient pay-per-trip insurance system.
As an association that primarily deals in vehicles, he said CRAG acknowledges its responsibility to lead the way in environmental protection, sustainability and climate change – reason for which it has initiated the green drive movement, pioneering and encouraging the use of electric vehicles among its members.
The president, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of St. Michael Car Rentals, also expressed gratitude to the association’s umbrella body, the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) for serving as a pillar of strength to it.
On behalf of the newly elected executives, he thanked members of CRAG for the confidence reposed in them.
The immediate past President of CRAG, Seth Yeboah Ocran, in his farewell speech, admitted that the car rental industry – during his administration – was not immune to the challenges that have affected businesses and associations in the country, citing the global economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the slowdown in economic activities over the past two years.
Highlighting successes chalked during his tenure, he noted that the association’s constitution was amended to make it national in character. He added that the Kumasi and Takoradi branches of the association were also inaugurated.
He added that: “We organised the first stakeholders’ breakfast forum at the Movinpick Ambassador Hotel which brought together some industry players to discuss, among other things, how to leverage our strength and work together to drive tourism. The intention for such events was to leverage our collective resources as a negotiation tool to the benefit of our members”.
Mr. Ocran, while welcoming the new executives, expressed confidence in their ability to lead the association to a new height.
