Kumasi: Spare parts dealers give government two-week ultimatum over rising import duties
The Kumasi Spare Parts Dealers Association has issued a strong appeal to the Government of Ghana, expressing deep concern over escalating import duties at the country’s ports and the failure to implement a previously promised flat-rate duty system.
The group says the current situation is placing an unbearable financial burden on traders and threatening the sustainability of their businesses.
According to the Association, before the 2024 general elections, a crucial meeting was held between members of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations and then-presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama at AH Hotel in East Legon.
During that engagement, the traders say a firm assurance was given that a flat-rate duty system would be introduced to ease the cost of imports and promote business growth across the sector.
However, the Association notes that since assuming office, the government has not taken any visible steps to fulfill that commitment.
They point out that two national budgets have already been presented without any mention of the proposed policy, leaving many traders uncertain about the future direction of government support for their businesses.
Instead, traders say a new system known as the Publican AI platform has been introduced at the ports.
While acknowledging the importance of technological advancement and modernisation, the association argues that the implementation has had unintended consequences, particularly a sharp increase in import duties, which they claim have risen between two and three times compared to previous rates.
Chairman of the Suame Spare Parts Dealers Association, Kofi Adu Godfred, speaking during a press conference on Thursday, April 12, 2026, emphasized that members are not opposed to paying taxes or embracing innovation.
“In view of this situation, we are respectfully calling on the government to urgently revisit the issue with fairness and consideration,” he stated, describing the current duty regime as excessive and unsustainable.
The Association has consequently given the government a two-week ultimatum to address their concerns and provide a clear policy direction.
They warned that failure to act within the stipulated period would compel dealers to increase the prices of spare parts by between 50 and 70 per cent to stay in business.
A move they caution would have a ripple effect on vehicle owners and transport operators who depend heavily on spare parts for maintenance and operations.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah
