The Vehicle Assets Dealers Union of Ghana( VADUG) has called on government to stop the scheduled implementation of the Customs Amendment Act 2020 ( Act 891) which takes off on 1st September 2022.
To them the implementation of the law will totally collapse Used Car Dealership Industry in the country.
VADUG, said the passage of the Bill will provide huge incentives to the Automotive Manufacturers and Assemblers registered under the Ghana Automotive Manufacturers Development Programme( GAMDP) whilst making it extremely difficult for its members to import.
At a press conference held on Tuesday in Accra, the Executive Secretary of VADUG, Mr. Frank Atanley Kofigah said many of their members will lose their means of livelihoods if government proceed with the implementation.
This when Bill, if implemented means the following artisans in the Value Chain will be affected: Ghanaian shippers from abroad, clearing agents, towing drivers, straighteners, auto mechanics, auto electricians, auto sprayers, auto AC mechanics, Key programmers, Upholstery, auto alignment, washing bay attendants, upholstery workers, Uber drivers, Trotro drivers, spare parts dealers, DVLA assistants ( Goro boys ) Kofigah said.
Our existing market has been providing automobile needs for the average, middle and high income Ghanaians for all these years as well as supporting the budget of government expenditure through huge import duties collected at the port. These import duties has aided successive government in the development of our economy”, he added.
The Executive Secretary pointed out that, ” VADUG has been an opposition to the introduction of foreign vehicle Assemblers, but all that we seek for from our government is to ensure that all Industry players and stakeholders are protected by the policy to enable a healthy competitive and taste varied Automobile market rather than creating a monopolized market for foreign investors to cash in.”
The Executive Secretary noted that they will only accept the implementation of the new law if the following reliefs are granted by government;
1, Reducing the 0 year to 5 years to 0 to 1 year. Scraping the 35% penalty on 5 years completely.
2, Maintaining the Korea Trucks mode of shipping.
3, Scraping of vehicle import application, this will be disadvantageous to Ghanaians since other countries also bid for those vehicles.
4, Maintain a constant Dollar Rate at the Port for 6 months to ensure advance and stable planning towards the clearing of our vehicles.
5, Restoring of the Bench Mark Values and stability of the local currency.
Vehicle and Assets Dealers Union of Ghana ( VADUG) is therefore seeking the reliefs without any delay and failure to address these issues will result in the union taking drastic decisions and steps; the Executive Secretary emphasised…… Story by …… Bugbila Moadow.
