Accra (Greater Accra) , 29 Jan. '99 -

Mr Dan Abodakpi, a deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, yesterday advocated more private investment in the importation of genuine spare parts to reduce the rate of fatal accidents in the country. He said the government is concerned about the country being turned into a ''graveyard'' for used spare parts and called for support of the transport industry to help eliminate such practices. Mr Abodakpi said this when he opened the first-ever international motor and truck show, dubbed ''Motor Show and TruckEx '99'', in Accra. The four-day show, which is aimed at improving the commercial vehicles and automotive component industry, has over 50 exhibitors. The major sponsors are Mobil Ghana Limited and Barclays Bank Ghana Limited. The Deputy Minister said the government has removed duties on the importation of commercial vehicles to enhance economic growth, especially in the agricultural sector. He said currently the ministry, in conjunction with the industry, is drawing up proposals on means of reducing tax on the importation of parts and tyres. ''In spite of this, most importers still bring fake parts and very old vehicles, which not only endanger the lives of people but slows down development.'' Mr Abodakpi said the show has come at an opportune time when the 'Gateway Project' is on course and would depend heavily on road transport, which remains the cheapest and quickest way of transporting goods in the sub- region. He, therefore, urged financial institutions to come out with attractive packages to boost the transport industry. Mr Tim Gros, Director of the Show, expressed the hope that the expectation of both exhibitors and the public would be met. Mr Gavis Anderson of the Barclays Bank said the Bank would launch an executive loan, a new personal lending product at the show. He said the loan, which is both "cheap and flexible", has preferential interest rates and flexible repayment period and can be used for any purpose, including the purchase of vehicles.