The Minority in Parliament is accusing the Nana Addo administration of attempts to collapse the local car dealership business in favour of foreign interests.
According to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs, the recently passed Customs Amendments Act, aside tax holidays for foreign automobile companies to assemble vehicles locally, allows importation of already assembled vehicles without paying duties.
This, the Minority argues, will put all local dealers out of business.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo recently assured the dealers at a meeting their jobs will be protected after agitations from the dealers.
But Minority Spokesperson on Road and Transport Governs Kwame Agbodza argued the entire government policy on the automobile industry is inimical to the locals.
The Adaklu MP stated any future NDC government will review the Act to amend portions that project only the interest of foreigners including a ban on importation of salvaged vehicles.
“We are not averse to the growth of the automotive industry in Ghana and we are not averse to the production, distribution and use of new vehicles in Ghana.
“We are against the rollout of yet another half-baked policy of the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government similar to the Luxury Vehicles Tax which was later withdrawn because the flagbearer of the NDC promised to repeal it when he assumes office in 2021.”
He accused the ministers of finance and trade of betraying Parliament by failing to present an LI before the implementation of the Act, scheduled for November, as promised.
A member of the Trade and Industry Committee, Isaac Adongo, stated the tax incentives granted the automobile companies in Ghana are counterproductive.
However, in a sharp rebuttal, Minister for Communications Ursula Owusu-Ekuful accused the Minority of pitching the vehicle dealers against government.
According to her, the teething challenges inherent in the implementation will be addressed.
By Komla Klutse|3news.com|Ghana