GNFS benefits from 12.8 million-dollar loan

Accra, (Greater Accra) 20 July '99,

A U.S.-based company, W.S. Darley and Company, is to provide the Ghana National Fire Service with 40 fire-fighting trucks, spare parts and services under a 12.8 million-dollar low-cost, long-term loan from the Export-Import Bank of the United States.

The trucks include 14 dual purpose tenders with monitors and spare parts, 23 dual purpose tenders with spare parts, and three water tenders. The component also includes training and logistic services.

A statement issued by EX-IM Bank in Accra on Tuesday said the trucks are equipped for use as rescue vehicles, hose tenders and carriers in city and rural environments.

It said Mr Peter Addo, President of Universal Marketing and Development Agency Incorporated, arranged the transaction and introduced the Ghana Government to W.S. Darley's Cutting Edge Technology and Ex-Im Bank financing.

The contract will benefit W.S. Darley's three plants and other sub-contractors, since they will need to increase their workforce in Melrose Park, Illinois, in the US in order to handle the order.

"It is our first substantial order in Ghana. We see it as opening doors for US products for sub-Saharan Africa," said Peter Darley, Chief Operating Officer.