Don’t demonstrate, let us dialogue instead – Trade ministry to car dealers

The Ministry of Trade and Industry has implored automobile dealers to dialogue with the ministry over the Customs (Amendment) Act, 2020 rather than demonstrating.

The dealers say, the act, if not amended, will halt the importation of second-hand cars of more than ten years old, as well as salvage cars, locally referred to as ‘accident cars.

This move, they believe will lead to a collapse of their businesses and cause massive loss of jobs.

But in an interview with Citi Business News, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Prince Boakye Boateng, called for an amicable settlement.

“For their threat of demonstration, it’s their constitutional right. However, I believe we need to resort to dialogue if we are unable to resolve our issues with dialogue then people can consider demonstrating. Our doors as a Ministry are always open to all stakeholders. And it’s important to note that the law in its current form does not take effect immediately.”

Parliament in March this year, passed the Customs (Amendment) Bill, which the President later assented to. The ban on importation of ‘accident’ and 10-yr old used cars take effect from October 2020.

The government says the benefits largely outweigh the losses as the new amendments will boost the Ghana Automotive Manufacturing Programme which has attracted several car assembling plants into the country.