Accra, Aug. 28, GNA - A revised directory of the Ghana Electrical Contractors Association (GECA) has been launched in Accra with a call on contractors to ensure professionalism and upgrading of skills to

meet global trends. The directory, which is the second in a series, is designed to provide the public with information on registered electrical contractors to stem the engagement of quack ones. Mr. Joseph Walker, National President of Association, said the design of the directory was in response to public outcry for a reference book providing information on the background, profile and contacts of electrical contractors to make their services more accessible to the public. He said with government's commitment to extend electricity to all parts of the country by 2015 it was imperative for the Ministry to support the Association to build the capacity of its members to enable them help to attain the target.

He implored the public to always hire qualified contractors for their services, even for menial jobs, considering the dangers that a shoddy electrical work could cause to lives and properties. Mr Walker also called for their recognition by government in developing the country's infrastructure. Mr Felix Owusu-Agyapong, Minister of Energy, called for the support of the contractors in providing competence to make government's National Electrification Scheme a success. The scheme is aimed at increasing electrification accessibility rate from 43 per cent in 2000 to 57 per cent by the end of the year. The Minister also asked the Association to work with government in its drive to subsidize the supply of electricity to consumers in the 0-15kWh per month category in order to mitigate the impact of the electricity cost on the poor.

Mr Owusu-Agyapong further commended the association for its support to government during last year's energy crisis, and pledged further collaboration to provide safe, secure and reliable power supply. He also urged the contractors to adhere to professional standards, since it was the only way to win the confidence of government and the public to engage their services. Alhaji Abubakar Saddique Boniface, Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, in a statement read on his behalf, indicated that the role of electrical contractors was key for urban development, housing and slum upgrading as targeted in the Human Resource component of the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS II). He commended the Association for repositioning itself to attain this feat, saying, "this Association will play a prominent role in terms of installation, maintenance and repair of electrical systems". The Minister said government was working to ensure the establishment of the Engineering Council to promote high standards, make a clear distinction between electrical component of construction from civil engineering and advice government on other matters. Mr. Jude Amankwah, Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), said ECG was willing to give sub-contracts to members of the Association in order to boost their income levels and create more jobs for the youth. He, however, asked the contractors not to condone with any illegal attempts to defraud the ECG. Owura K. Sarfo, Chief Executive of the Volta River Authority (VRA), urged the contractors to take up contracts in high voltage installation.