Envoys to enjoy exemptions on imported vehicles

Accra, July 6, GNA - The Government has decided to waive duty and tax on vehicles imported into the country by envoys and diplomats who return home at the end of their service.

The measure, when implemented, would allow returning envoys to clear at least a vehicle with tax and duty exemptions.


This was announced by Alhaji Muhhamad Mumuni, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, when addressing the closing session of the three-day Conference of Heads of Ghana's Missions Abroad in Accra on Wednesday.


This was greeted with applause by the envoys who attended the conference on the theme: 93Enhancing our Diplomacy for a Better Ghana".


Alhaji Mumuni pledged government's commitment to implementing recommendations made at the conference to make operations at the missions more effective.


He pointed out that in spite of the financial constraints, the Ministry would work together with the missions to enhance service delivery and endeavour to ensure value for money from its current allocations.


Alhaji Mumuni urged them to focus on economic trade and investment particularly into key areas such as energy, agriculture and agro-processing, tourism and Information, Communication Technology (ICT) since economic development was key to government's development agenda.

"Millions of jobs and the future of the Ghanaian economy depend on exports and the international competitiveness of businesses now determine development and investment strategies at the world level," he said.


The Sector Minister tasked the envoys to discharge their duties judiciously since they were the international pivots around which government's 91Better Ghana Programme' could be realised.


"A lot is expected from you since the image you build for yourselves will reflect the status of the country in the eyes of the international community. I know that you would not disappoint mother Ghana in discharging the responsibilities you have been tasked to accomplish."


Alhaji Mumuni expressed satisfaction at the success of the conference that had broadened the knowledge of participants on how to sustain international goodwill and solidarity for Ghana and to maximise the benefits both at the bilateral and multilateral levels for national development.


He commended the envoys for their performance so far and stated that the Ministry would organise a mid-year review retreat to address some of the challenges raised and consider the recommendations.


Mr Victor Smith, Ghana's Ambassador to Czech Republic with concurrent accreditation to Hungary, Bosnia and Slovakia, said some of the recommendations made included increased remittances to cover the costs of rentals of residential properties and approval for the purchase of such properties through mortgages.

He said most of the envoys were also challenged by the high costs of running their missions and the constant delays in responses by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) concerning investment requests and enquiries.


Mr Ibrahim Abass, Director of Passports, said the recommendations, if implemented, would help make work of the missions easier and attract investments into the country.


Other recommendations included better coordination between MDAs and the various missions, following thorough draft agreements between the countries of operation of the missions and Ghana and tax exemptions.


A report on the conference would be published soon.