Kumasi: In line with President John Dramani Mahama’s promise to remove the law banning the importation of salvaged vehicles into the country, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has been engaging stakeholders in the automobile industry. The Customs (Amendment) Act 2020 prohibits the importation of salvaged motor vehicles, including those wrecked, destroyed, or damaged by collision, fire, water, or other occurrences. During the 2024 election campaign, the President promised to review the Act to allow for the importation of these vehicles, acknowledging its negative impact on artisans in the industry and the transport business.
According to Ghana News Agency, to achieve this goal, the Minister has embarked on stakeholder consultations to gather their views as part of efforts to amend the Act, as promised by the then National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flag Bearer. Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare has engaged dealers in brand new cars, second-hand car dealers, and assemblers in Accra to collate their concerns ahead of the amendment. The latest engagement was with the Suame Magazine Industrial Development Organisation (SMIDO) in Kumasi, which comprises various trade associations in the Suame Magazine enclave.
Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare assured SMIDO of the President’s commitment to fulfilling his promise to enhance their businesses as major players in the automobile industry. She mentioned that she would conclude her stakeholder consultations in Kokompe in the coming days to pave the way for the amendment of the Act as promised by the President. The Minister expressed confidence that the amendment process would be completed within the promised 120 days of President Mahama’s assumption of office.
Responding to a request for a foundry by the artisans, Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare assured them of discussing the issue with the President to see how best to position Suame Magazine to fulfill its potential. She acknowledged the importance of Suame Magazine as a hub for automobiles and emphasized the need for the country to focus on its development, as directed by President Mahama.
Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, highlighted the engagements by the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry as evidence of the government’s commitment to work closely with stakeholders in building the desired future for Ghana. He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support of Ghanaians and reiterated the NDC Government’s commitment to prioritizing the interests of its citizens for the nation’s collective good.
Mr. Anthony Owusu Akyaw, General Secretary of SMIDO, commended the government for taking action and investing in artisans, which he believes will significantly boost the national economy.