A nationwide advocacy campaign, aimed at sensitising the general public about the negative economic and social effects as well as the security dangers associated with the use of counterfeit electrical products has been initiated.
The campaign involves all relevant stakeholders including manufacturers, distributors, contractors, consumers and regulatory bodies to champion against the sale and installation of counterfeit electrical products.
The three-year campaign is a brainchild of Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult). The campaign trail “Avoid Patronage of Counterfeit Electrical Products” started in December 2017 in the Volta Region and the next destination is Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo Region.
At a media interaction in Sunyani, Mr. Francis Ameyibor, Executive Director of CDA Consult, bemoaned the influx of counterfeit electrical products into the country and dangers associated with it.
He said the inability of duty bearers to prevent the entry into the country of fake electrical products has necessitated the move to educate the public about them.
“Manufacturers, distributors, contractors and ultimately customers all face risks to safety, legal liability and profitability.” The Campaigner stressed the need for a concerted effort to deal with the growing menace.
“Counterfeiting is one of the biggest challenges facing the electrical industry. CDA Consult, in collaboration with the stakeholders, is fully committed to doing its parts in stamping out this growing crime. We consider this situation as a serious issue that deserves serious and ongoing attention,” Mr. Ameyibor stated.
The CDA Consult is collaborating with public institutions, including the Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Standards Authority, Service Merchandised Limited, Electrical Contractors, Electrical Manufacturers, Electrical Shop Owners and Electrical Appliances Dealers. The rest are security agencies, media and the consuming public.
The campaign will cover all the ten Regional capitals and 150 selected districts across the country. The media encounter was a prelude to a three-day public education slated for April 12 to 14 in Sunyani.
