The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has shown support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s proposal to implement a fixed rate system for imported spare parts.
The NDC claims that this policy is designed to lower the cost of doing business, provided they are elected in the upcoming general elections.
Takyi Addo, the Public Relations Officer of the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association, welcomed the NDC’s proposal but noted that their members will continue to evaluate the policies presented in both the NPP and NDC manifestos before making a final decision.
“Four months ago, former president [John Dramani] Mahama came to Abossey Okai to meet with the spare parts dealers, and we mentioned fixed rates. That is going to solve at least some of our challenges at the port. It [fixed rate] is a constant value.”
“The 20-foot container, which we paid 5000 for, is fixed. It can remain there for 10 years, 15 years—it is fixed. It doesn’t change. So, I think fixed rates are going to solve some of our problems at the port,” Addo mentioned during an interview with Accra-based Citi FM.
“So, we welcome it. It is very good, and we embrace it. So far, we are going through their [the NDC’s] manifesto. None of them [political parties] can solve our problem at once, but gradually, we will get there.
“We are going to digest and go through all the two major political parties’ manifestos, and we will come out with strong statements,” he pointed.
On August 24, 2024, John Dramani Mahama, the NDC’s Flagbearer, introduced this policy during the presentation of his party’s manifesto for the upcoming election.
John Mahama explained that adopting a fixed rate system for spare parts imports would promote transparency in the fees applied to imported vehicle shipments into Ghana.