Suame Magazine Spare Parts Dealers Association Calls For Reduction in Port Duties

Suame Magazine Spare Parts Dealers Association Calls for Reduction in Port Duties

From Ernest Best Anane, Kumasi

The Suame Magazine Spare Parts Association has expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to reduce duties at ports despite the recent gains of the Ghanaian cedi against major trading currencies. The association is calling on the government to fulfill its promise of introducing a flat rate duty system at ports.

Mr. Godfred Adu Kofi, Chairman of the Suame Magazine Spare Parts Dealers Association, stated at a press conference that despite the cedi’s recent strength, duties have remained the same or even increased in some cases. He cited the example of the Toyota Voxy car, which was previously cleared at GH₵ 35,000 to GH₵ 40,000 but is now being cleared at GH₵ 50,000 to GH₵ 60,000 due to a reclassification as a “wagon” instead of a “van”.

The association is humbly calling on President John Dramani Mahama to fulfill his promise of introducing a flat rate duty system at ports.

Mr. Adu Kofi reiterated that they were eagerly looking forward to this in the President’s last budget but it turned out to be otherwise. They are therefore pleading that the President consider introducing a flat rate duty system in the mid-year budget.

The association believes that a reduction in port duties would enable them to pass on the benefits to the general public in the form of lower prices. They have been accused of being “wicked” and “restless” in refusing to reduce prices despite the cedi’s recent gains. The association is calling on the government to ensure that duties reflect the newly gained strength of the cedi.

During the last election campaign, the then former President promised to introduce a flat rate duty system at ports. The Suame Magazine Spare Parts Dealers Association is urging the government to fulfill this promise and reduce duties at ports to benefit both businesses and consumers.