Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has held discussions with the leadership of the Vehicles and Assets Dealers Union of Ghana (VADUG) on policy reforms to address the high cost of vehicle imports and other challenges confronting businesses in the sector.
The engagement focused on concerns over import duties, delays in clearing vehicles at Ghana’s ports, access to credit and regulatory measures affecting vehicle and asset dealers.
A key outcome of the meeting was an agreement between Dr Bawumia and the union to abolish the proposed pre-shipment inspection requirement for imported vehicles, which emerged as one of the major issues discussed.
The union also highlighted the need for improved access to financing from the Export-Import Bank of Ghana (EXIM Bank) to help dealers overcome operational and financial constraints.
Another concern raised was the enforcement of existing laws to protect local retailers from what the union considers unfair competition from foreign businesses operating in the sector.
The discussions formed part of Dr Bawumia’s stakeholder consultations to identify challenges facing businesses and explore policy options that could improve their operating environment.
Dr Bawumia described the meeting as fruitful and said representatives of both sides would continue discussions to develop specific policy proposals in response to the concerns raised.
He expressed appreciation to the VADUG leadership for participating in the engagement.
The planned follow-up discussions are expected to provide a platform for further examination of the proposed reforms and other measures aimed at addressing the concerns of vehicle and asset dealers.
The engagement comes as the sector seeks solutions to import-related costs, port clearance delays and financing difficulties that affect the operations of businesses involved in vehicle and asset trading in Ghana.
