Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has pledged to review the Customs Amendment Act 2020 to allow for the importation of salvaged vehicles.
While the implementation of the Act is currently suspended, the former President is concerned about its potential negative impact on artisans and the transport business.
Mr Mahama made this commitment during an engagement at the Techiman Market as part of the “Building Ghana Tour,” where he interacts with various economic groups to document their challenges.
Artisans in Techiman expressed dissatisfaction with the Customs Amendment Act, which prohibits the importation of salvaged motor vehicles and cars over 10 years of age while providing incentives for registered automobile manufacturers and assemblers under the Ghana Automotive Manufacturers Programme.
In addressing these concerns, Mahama suggested that the ban on salvaged cars could be limited to government agencies.
“Since government buys cars more than any individual and also have the purchasing power, they should buy from the assembly plants for them to get their profits. So that those who can’t buy the new cars will also import the salvaged ones. When we return to power, we will make changes in the act,” he said.
To modernize the vehicle mechanic trade, the former President acknowledged the necessity of providing training to artisans in modern technology for their businesses.
He outlined the plans of the NDC government when it regains power, emphasizing the importance of equipping artisans with the skills and knowledge required to work with contemporary automotive technologies.
“When I was Vice President, we partnered with SMIDO at Suame Magazine to construct a training centre and equip it with all the modern machinery to aid the training of apprentices,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr Mahama has insisted on the legalisation of the tricycle business.