Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu‑Adjare, paid a working visit to the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Market in Accra on Monday as part of government efforts to ensure fair pricing and protect consumers in the auto parts sector.
Accompanied by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, and Clement Boateng, President of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), the minister assessed current spare parts prices and engaged traders on challenges affecting their operations. She also held a closed‑door meeting with executives of the spare parts dealers’ association to gather first‑hand information on market conditions.
Addressing traders, Ofosu‑Adjare said the visit was a follow‑up to an earlier engagement at the Ministry where discussions focused on the stability of the Ghanaian cedi and the need for traders to reflect the improved currency performance in their pricing. She stressed government’s commitment to “ensuring fairness and transparency in the pricing of goods, particularly items that directly affect transport costs and the general cost of living.”
Henry Okyere Jnr., President of the Abossey Okai Market Association, acknowledged that spare parts prices had “significantly reduced in recent weeks.” However, he flagged the activities of middlemen, popularly known as “Affairs,” as a major challenge. “These middlemen often intercept car owners and sell spare parts at inflated prices, creating the false impression that Abossey Okai traders are overpricing their goods,” he said. He added that some automobile fitters also exploit unsuspecting car owners by exaggerating the cost of parts.
In response, Ofosu‑Adjare disclosed plans to establish a police post at the entrance of the market to clamp down on unscrupulous middlemen. She urged dealers to “urgently explore ways of integrating and formally employing some of these individuals to promote order and accountability within the market.”
The minister commended spare parts dealers for their cooperation and assured them of continued government engagement, urging sustained collaboration “in support of Ghana’s industrialization and economic transformation agenda.”
The Accra Mayor also announced that by the first week of February 2026, government would create a designated car park along the Agbogbloshie stretch to decongest the Abossey Okai area. “The move will improve accessibility and encourage car owners to deal directly with shop owners,” he said.
