Local Manufacturer Slams Importation Of China Electricity Poles

Dozens of galvanized-coated electric poles sighted at the Tema-Nungua beach road have rusted and are almost falling unto the freeway. Some residents have raised safety concerns over the fiercely hanging nature of the poles pointing out that it could electrocute unsuspecting people or cause vehicular accidents. Ghana continues to import electricity poles from China and other parts of the continent despite a thriving local market. The galvanized-coated poles which barely lasts a decade at the coastal lines cost the nation millions of dollars. Speaking to the DAILY HERITAGE in an interview, chief executive officer of Borbordzi Argon Aluminum Works, John Kwame Borbordzi, lamented that many of the poles that are used by contractors in the country are imported. According to him, the poles upon examination are not galvanized, but, they are rather coated and do not last long. He observed however that, local aluminum electricity pole manufacturer�s products are not being patronized. �We are being disadvantaged, despite producing quality electricity poles, contractors overlook us and import these materials from China because of its cheapness,� he added. Mr. Borbordzi said successive governments have preached the need to support the local manufacturers but, they seem to be facing unfavorable competition from foreign imports. �Government always spends millions to replace these poles, when we can produce them here in the country,� he stressed. He pointed out that the country must stay away from mine steel pole since �our weather conditions do not favour electricity poles.� He called on government to support local manufacturers to expand and create job avenues for the teeming unemployed youth. Government last week inaugurated a board to steer the affairs of Made-In-Ghana goods produced by local manufacturers. This is to help build a strong appeal for locally produced goods and services in order to compete with foreign imports that have flooded the Ghanaian market.