The Suame Magazine Spare Parts Dealers Association has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to reduce import duties at the country’s ports, despite recent gains of the Ghana cedi against major foreign currencies.
Addressing the media in Kumasi, Chairman of the Association, Godfred Adu Kofi, lamented that, contrary to expectations, duties at the ports have either remained unchanged or, in some cases, increased.
They argued that with the cedi strengthening against the U.S. dollar, a corresponding reduction in port duties should have followed—but this has not materialised.
The dealers cited recent adjustments by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in vehicle classification as part of the problem. For example, the Association noted that a Toyota Voxy, previously cleared at GH¢35,000, is now charged at GH¢40,000. Some vehicles, they added, are being reclassified as wagons rather than their usual categories, leading to higher charges.
“We are humbly calling on President John Dramani Mahama to fulfil his promises on flat-rate duties at the ports,” the statement read. The Association recalled that during the last election campaign, the President pledged to maintain flat-rate duties, but the policy has yet to be implemented as expected.
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They further appealed to the government to reconsider port charges in the upcoming mid-year budget, suggesting they be adjusted to reflect the cedi’s current strength. They stressed that lower duties would enable dealers to pass on savings to consumers through reduced spare parts prices.
“Our members, especially commercial drivers, are being accused of refusing to reduce prices despite the cedi’s gains. We urge government to act so we can also reduce prices,” the Association stated.
Source: Starrrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
