The Western Region branch of the Ghana National Association of Garages (GNAG) has appealed to the government to expedite action on the review of the ban on the importation of salvage vehicles.
Salvage cars include a vehicle that has been critically damaged to the extent that any part of the safety cage and/or chassis is broken, cracked, bent or twisted or a vehicle abandoned and has a value only as a source of parts and scrap metal.
They stressed that the issue was critical to the growth and stability of the auto mechanic industry in Ghana.
The Western Regional Chairman of the association, Mr Justice Jeo Aryitey, made the appeal at a stakeholders’ meeting with the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu- Agyare, in Takoradi on yesterday to discuss the matter as enshrined in the Customs Amendment Act, 2020 (Act 1014), but yet to be implemented.
The group further complained about the effects of high taxes, including import and export duties, on their operations.
They again noted government’s efforts in reducing some nuisance taxes, such as those on betting, lottery, and the E-Levy, but observed that import duties had not been revised.
“As an industry that depends on imported spare parts and equipment, the high import duties significantly increase our costs, making it unbearable for businesses to thrive,” they lamented.
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) together with relevant industry players defined salvage vehicles under “GS 4510” – road vehicles, with requirements for “Imported Used Motor Vehicles” including a motor vehicle that has suffered minor or major damages.
Mr Aryitey said the auto mechanic industry believed that the law would affect spare parts, welding and spraying business within the garages.
He again mentioned that garages were currently in the final stages of securing state land to provide permanent structures and ensure the stability of their members and appealed to the minister to help expedite the final stages to ensure a smooth and successful acquisition.
The District Chairman, Kokompe branch, Charles Mensah, said the security situation within the Kokompe enclave was alarming and continued to hinder business growth as incidents of theft and vandalism had left many of the members vulnerable, and urged the government to help safeguard the industry.
He added: “Kokompe’s accessibility remains a major concern “As we have only one major route serving the entire area. We look forward to working closely with your office to ensure meaningful progress in addressing these challenges.”
Moreover, Mr Mensah spoke about the unutilised training Centre, with an office complex, completed in 2019 through a collaboration between the Government of Ghana and the Government of France.
Designed to train the youth in motor artisanal works, he said, the centre remained unused, with equipment left to deteriorate.
FROM CLEMENT ADZEI BOYE, TAKORADI
