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1D1F: President Akufo-Addo Commissions Sinotruck’s Phase 2 Assembly Plant

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Tuesday, 17th October 2023, under government’s flagship 1-District-1-Factory initiative, commissioned the Second Phase of the Sinotruk Vehicle Assembly Plant, in Tema.

Simultaneously, he also cut the sod for the commencement of work on the Third Phase of the Sinotruk Project, which when completed, will make Sinotruk Ghana Limited, a fully integrated automobile manufacturer in Ghana, with the capacity to supply its assembly lines with domestically manufactured components and parts.

Speaking at the event, President Akufo-Addo said the commissioning of the second phase, which represents commercial production of vehicles in the new plant, together with the investments into a third phase of expansion is “testament to Sinotruk’s confidence in the growing trajectory of the truck assembly business in Ghana, as well as in rebounding of the Ghanaian economy.”

Whilst extending government’s profound gratitude for Sinotruk’s forward-looking vision, he assured them of the unflinching support of government to the continuous development of a business-friendly atmosphere, where businesses can grow and grow.

This commitment, he added, “is seen in government’s vision and creation of structured programmes for achieving industrial transformation, through a supportive incentive framework for a company such as Sinotruk to become a prominent, domestic assembler of trucks, and major player in the haulage, construction and distribution sub-sectors of the economy.”

According to the President, “When I first visited the Kpone-Katamanso Plant on Thursday, 30th August 2020, I recall how impressed I was with the effort to develop this facility for the assembly of heavy-duty and light trucks in Ghana for the domestic and regional market. I also recall the promise made to me by Madam Yang Yang, the dynamic and hardworking Managing Director of Sinotruk, that she, together with her partners, are committed to building a world class facility for the assembly, in Ghana, of heavy-duty trucks for the West African market.”

Three years down the line, President Akufo-Addo is happy to note that, “with the completion of this second phase and the commitment to investing further in a third phase, the fulfilment of her vision is almost accomplished.”

He described establishments such as Sinotruk as having “demonstrated how major players in the import and distribution chain have taken advantage of strategic interventions, such as the 1-District-1-Factory initiative, to transition from being mere importers and distributors of trucks, to establishing assembly plants for both domestic and export markets.”

The new Assembly Plant of Sinotruk increases the current annual production capacity from 850 trucks to some 3,000 heavy-duty and light-duty trucks, including tipper trucks, wheel loaders, backhoes, trailers, semi-trailers, oil tankers as well as a variety of light-duty vehicles, assembled from semi-knocked down kits, which adhere to international standards of quality and safety.”

Additionally, he noted that the new assembly plant will double employment in the company, from 356 to 700, and create 1,000 indirect employment opportunities, adding that “a unique feature of Sinotruk’s operation is the state-of-the-art training centre, established on these premises, to train artisans in the application of appropriate technology and skills to build their capacities in the processes of assembly, repair and maintenance.”

With Government not oblivious of the challenges confronting the manufacturing sector, President Akufo-Addo was convinced that “the progress we are making in restoring macroeconomic stability, and in our determination to returning our nation onto the path of sustained growth, will inure to the benefit of the private sector, including those in manufacturing and commerce, with a positive impact on the reduction of the cost of doing business.”

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Zipline, GHS reduce maternal mortality in Ashanti Region by 56.4% – Study

A recent impact assessment study on aerial logistics to improve maternal health and emergencies has revealed a remarkable reduction in maternal mortality by 56.4% in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Zipline and the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

This was revealed at the National Ghana Health Service Research Conference organized by the Ghana Health Service in partnership with Zipline. The study, which focused on the impact of aerial logistics in healthcare, also noted a 19.9% increase in antenatal visits and a 25% rise in in-facility births, signaling a significant boost in maternal health outcomes.

The success according to the study is attributed to the on-demand availability of blood and essential medical supplies provided by Zipline’s innovative drone delivery system. This consistent access to critical resources has increased patient confidence in the healthcare system, encouraging more mothers to seek necessary care throughout their pregnancies.

Speaking on the highlight of the study, the Research Officer at Ashanti Regional Health Directorate stated, “the significant decrease in maternal mortality we’ve seen is a clear indication of the vital role that reliable access to medical supplies plays in healthcare. The ability to deliver blood and essential medicines exactly when they’re needed has transformed how mothers in the Ashanti Region perceive and engage with the healthcare system.”

“It’s an achievement that speaks to the importance of introducing technology in healthcare delivery. Mothers now feel more confident in seeking care, knowing that they will receive the support they need throughout their pregnancies,”he stated.

The study examined data from 191 health facilities, including hospitals, health centers, and Community-based Health and Planning Services (CHPS) Compounds. Among these, 99 facilities were served by Zipline’s aerial logistics, while 91 were not. The research employed adjusted rates for various key indicators, such as antenatal consultations, emergency visits, referrals, live births, hysterectomies, maternal deaths, and neonatal deaths, as the main dependent variables.

The qualitative aspect of the study aimed to describe and analyze the changes in satisfaction levels among healthcare providers and patients, perceived quality of care in maternal health and emergencies, and experiences related to the use of aerial logistics. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 patients and 23 healthcare providers at the participating facilities.

Globally, maternal mortality remains a critical public health challenge, with stark disparities between high-income and low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the majority of maternal deaths occur in LMICs, often due to preventable causes. In Ghana, particularly in the Ashanti Region, the problem is critical, reflecting the broader challenges faced across the African continent. Beyond this, socio-economic, geographic, and infrastructural factors intensify the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions to improve maternal health outcomes.

As maternal mortality continues to pose a challenge in low-to-middle-income countries, the success seen in Ghana’s Ashanti Region offers a promising model for other regions and nations striving to improve maternal health outcomes through innovative solutions.

Zipline is poised to continue leading the way in revolutionizing healthcare delivery, ensuring that every mother has access to the life-saving resources, no matter where she lives.

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Traders, ‘Okada’ riders take over Circle pavement

• Korle-Bu CEO with staff of Nivaansh MediQas

Activities of traders and drug addicts are contributing to make the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange (Circle) area very uncomfortable and unsafe for commuters.

Day in and out, pedestrians are ‘ejected’ from the pavement created for their safety as traders preferred to sell their wares on that space.

Staff of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) showcasing their work

That hinders the free movement of the pedestrians.

The small space left for the pedestrians are also shared with ‘Okada’ riders.

As if these woes are not enough for a commuter on a single day, they also have to navigate carefully to avoid clashes with drug addicts and the mentally challenged.