"Any import items we buy as Ghanaians constitutes an
export of jobs in this country, especially in respect of the items for which we
have comparative advantage to produce," he said at the time.
For Kantanka some key components such as glass, tyres and
brake callipers are imported, AFP was told on a visit to the company's
technology research centre west of Accra last year.
But local sourcing is a key component of Kantanka's
vehicles, whose radiator grilles feature Ghana's five-pointed star emblem.
Wood from Ghanaian forests is used to make dashboards
while the cream-coloured leather seats in the black SUV were made in the
country's second biggest commercial city, Kumasi.
Akan -- a language widely used in Ghana -- is written
alongside English on the electronics.
- 'The next Toyota'? -
Kantanka's son was adamant about the uniqueness of the
cars, which have all been approved for safety by Ghana's Drivers Vehicle
Licensing Authority.
The Made in Ghana label means that "if you have any
problems with the vehicle, you wouldn't have to import from India or China or
America. All the parts are right here and we have a 24-hour service," he
said.
Six months ago, Ghana's police service received one of
the pick-up trucks, potentially paving the way for other government agencies to
place orders.
Kantanka junior is upbeat about the way ahead.
"The future of Kantanka for the next 10 years is to
try as much as possible to increase our lines," he said.
To the curent three lines, he said, "we intend to
increase by next year January, February and add two more lines to it. We intend
to go into more lines like buses, mini-vans and all that."
For Ghanaians, the cars could put their West African
nation on the map.
"We must believe in the Ghanaian just like Toyotas
and Hyundais," said Murtala Mohammed, who lives in Accra.
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