Mahama’s manifesto to revive the law on importation salvaged vehicles is welcoming news – Mr. Emmanuel Nana Opoku Acheampong
As Ghana’s political climate heats up with the release of manifestos from the major political parties, traders across the country are closely monitoring the promises being made.
Mr. Emmanuel Nana Opoku Acheampong, the General Secretary of the Traders Advocacy Group, recently shared his perspective on the NDC’s abridged manifesto on Maakye Live, which he had the opportunity to review and give his submission.
When asked if the NDC’s manifesto met the expectations of the traders’ union, Mr. Acheampong responded, “I would say for Mahama’s manifesto, he brought the abridged version of which I got one. But I’m still waiting for the detailed version, of which I’m supposed to receive one for the traders.”
One of the standout points for traders in the abridged version is the proposal to revive the law allowing the importation of salvage vehicles. Mr. Acheampong highlighted the significance of this policy, sharing a personal experience that illustrates the current struggles faced by traders in the industry.
He recounted, “When John Mahama made mention that he would revive the law that would allow them to import salvage cars, it has brought a lot of happiness to the traders. If God permits him to win the elections, it’s one of the best interventions.”
Mr. Acheampong also shared an encounter from a trip to the United States, where he met a fellow Ghanaian who was unable to ship car parts back to Ghana due to the prohibitive costs.
“I asked him for the reason, and he told me he can’t because of the cost. So he keeps the parts. When there’s a dire need for it by a Ghanaian in Ghana, then he ships that particular part to him. The dealers in Abossey Okai, Magazine, and others are losing their jobs.”
This policy proposal, if realized, could revitalize the local vehicle parts industry, providing much-needed relief to traders who have been adversely affected by restrictive import laws.
Mr. Acheampong supports this policy because he sees it as an important aspect for the micro-economy, which he believes is more important than infrastructure right now. As he put it, “The NDC is thinking of the micro economy, more than the infrastructure in business.”
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Story by: Pepertual Anyimadu
