Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Urge Govt to Cut Port Charges
Traders at Ghana’s largest auto parts market, Abossey Okai, are calling on the government to reduce port charges to alleviate the financial burden on their businesses. The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association, represented by General Secretary Gifty Naana Fianu, emphasized that high port charges, driven by unfavorable exchange rates, are crippling their businesses.
According to Madam Gifty Naana Fianu, the government’s reduction in fuel prices does not automatically translate to lower spare parts prices. “When they reduce petrol or fuel, it doesn’t mean strippers will be reduced automatically. It’s when duty comes down. That’s where strippers will come down,” she explained.
The association is appealing to President John Dramani Mahama to implement a fixed rate for spare parts imports, which would help stabilize prices and make it easier for businesses to operate. Fianu highlighted the numerous costs associated with importing spare parts, including visa fees, air tickets, fleet charges, and duty payments, which are making it challenging for traders to maintain affordable prices.
The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association is also urging the government to improve the efficiency of port operations, citing delays and high charges as major concerns. “The harbor is still not okay. They should help us so that the harbor will be fine for us, and things will come down automatically,” Fianu pleaded.
The association’s concerns are echoed by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), which has assured Ghanaians that sectors legally reserved for citizens will be protected without compromise. The GIPC has also appealed to the media to support public education campaigns on the provisions of the GIPC Act.
As Ghana’s economy continues to navigate challenges, the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association’s plea highlights the need for policymakers to address the concerns of local businesses and traders.
