The Suame Magazine Spare Parts Dealers Association has expressed deep dissatisfaction over the government’s failure to reduce import duties at the country’s ports despite the recent gains of the Ghana cedi against major trading currencies.
“We are humbly calling on President John Dramani Mahama to fulfill his promises on flat-rate duties at the ports,” the Association’s Chairman, Godfred Adu Kofi, said.
The dealers argued that with the cedi strengthening against the US dollar, they anticipated lower duties, but this has not materialized.
The Association cited adjustments by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in vehicle classification as part of the problem, leading to higher charges.
“A Toyota Voxy, previously cleared at GH¢35,000, is now charged at GH¢40,000, with some vehicles being classified as wagons rather than their usual categories,” they noted.
The group appealed to the government to reconsider port charges in the mid-year budget to reflect the cedi’s current strength. “Lower duties would allow us to pass savings on to the public through reduced prices of spare parts,” they stated.
The Association also urged the government to act so they can reduce prices, as their members, especially commercial drivers, are being accused of refusing to reduce prices despite the cedi’s gains.
“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.
