Takoradi: Mr. Justice Jeo Aryitey, the group Chairperson of the Western Region branch of the Ghana National Association of Garages, has appealed for master craftsmen to be involved during the inspection of vehicles brought into the country at the ports. He emphasized their extensive experience in servicing second-hand vehicles, which enables them to easily identify accident vehicles and those that should be allowed into the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, the government is urged to expedite action on reviewing the ban on salvage vehicles, as this issue is crucial to the survival and stability of the auto mechanic industry in Ghana. Mr. Aryitey voiced these concerns during a stakeholders' meeting with the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, in Takoradi. The meeting aimed to discuss the ban on salvage vehicles as outlined in the Customs Amendment Act, 2020 (Act 1014), which is yet to be implemented.
The group chair also raised concerns about the impact of high taxes, including import and export duties, on their operations. While he acknowledged the government's efforts in reducing some nuisance taxes, such as those on betting, lottery, and electronic transactions, he noted that import duties remained unrevised. He urged for a revision of these duties to provide relief to businesses in the sector.
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), along with industry stakeholders, has defined salvage vehicles under 'GS 4510 - road vehicles,' which includes vehicles with minor or major damages, critically damaged safety cages or chassis, and vehicles abandoned with value only as parts or scrap metal. Mr. Aryitey expressed concern that the law would adversely affect businesses related to spare parts, welding, and spraying within the garages.
He highlighted the ongoing efforts to secure state land for building permanent structures to ensure the stability of their members and requested the minister's assistance in expediting the final stages of acquisition. Additionally, Mr. Aryitey called for financial support from the government at lower interest rates on loans, access to grants, and structured financial aid to help artisans and mechanics expand and modernize their businesses.
The District Chairperson of the Kokompe branch, Charles Mensah, highlighted security concerns within the Kokompe enclave, with incidents of theft and vandalism affecting business growth. He also noted the accessibility issue, with only one major route serving the entire area, and called for government intervention to address these challenges.
Mr. Mensah also mentioned the unutilized training center, completed in 2019 through a collaboration between the governments of Ghana and France. The center, intended to train youth in motor artisanal works, remains unused due to the previous administration's refusal to hand over the keys for proper operations to commence. He urged the minister to intervene and equip the facility to fulfill its intended purpose.
In response, Mrs. Ofosu-Agyare, who could not attend the Kokompe meeting due to flight challenges, assured via telephone that the government would review the ban on salvage vehicles in collaboration with GSA and stakeholders to ensure safety and environmental standards.
