Fake Nokia Importers Lose Out

By Esther Awuah

Importers and retailers of fake Nokia phones will from next year fail to reap the benefit of their nefarious business.
This is because the world’s leading mobile phone manufacturer is embarking on a massive sensitization programme to educate Nokia users on the dangers of using fake mobile phones.
The company explained that it wants users to know the health and economic implications of using fake phones.
Ludovic Falcou, Nokia Country Manager in charge of Ghana and Senegal, disclosed this at “Nokia Media Meet and Greet” event held in Accra under the theme: “The dangers of counterfeit Devices.”
Mr. Falcou noted “fake mobile devices are manufactured from substandard component containing dangerous chemicals (lead & mercury) and do not follow safety standards.”
He stated that economically fake phones negatively impact the Ghanaian economy.
“Importers of fake mobile devices typically avoid payment of taxes and levies thus creating huge income losses for the government,” he added.
Mr. Falcou indicated that the development needs to be critically looked at since it is capable of discouraging foreign direct investment as international companies are likely to direct their investment elsewhere.
He advised people to look out for the 12 month Nokia warranty logo on the box when purchasing Nokia phones.
“Beyond this, all genuine Nokia devices purchased in Ghana are covered by a one-year warranty. The Nokia warranty starts from the date of purchase and it guarantees the user of repair at no cost and even replacement in the event of malfunction,” the Nokia boss announced.
He cautioned Nokia users to take full advantage of the numerous applications available on Nokia store including Music, videos, games and navigation, which is only available on genuine Nokia devices.
Osagie Ogunbor, Head of Communications Nokia West Africa, said the use of fake mobile phones is a global problem because most of the users cannot identify genuine ones.
He said Nokia Ghana is going to embark on massive advertising and media campaigns to sensitize Ghanaians on the need to purchase genuine phones.
Nokia is the world’s number one manufacturer of mobile devices in terms of market share.
Beyond its leadership status as a manufacturer of devices, Nokia is fast becoming a leading solutions provider in the converging Internet and communications industries providing internet services that enable users to experience media, messaging, maps and games.