Dr. Hassan Ayariga, the Founder and Flag-bearer of the All Peoples Congress (APC), has expressed his shock and dismay over the high taxes imposed on vehicle imports into Ghana.
He described the situation as both ridiculous and shocking.
Dr. Ayariga explained that the current conditions at the Tema Port are discouraging investment and business in Ghana.
He warned that without urgent action, the situation would only get worse.
In an interview on Ahotor FM’s morning show ‘Adekyee Mu Nsem’ with host Nana Dogbe, Dr. Ayariga called on all stakeholders to join a demonstration he plans to personally lead.
He stated that he cannot stand by and watch Ghanaians suffer due to the high taxes imposed by the current government.
He illustrated his point with an example: “There is a 2023 Lexus, and these are the charges: 20% import duty, import VAT, processing fees, ECOWAS levy, vehicle examination fee, network charges, network charge VAT, and network charge COVID fee.”
Dr. Ayariga also noted that the current government had promised to remove some taxes but instead increased them.
He criticized the government’s performance, saying, “The living conditions in Ghana are bad. If Nana Addo had not been President, Ghanaians would have praised him in his grave, but he has failed woefully when given the chance to rule.”
He shared his personal experience of importing a car from the USA, stating that many Ghanaians have complained about the high cost of clearing a car at the port. “I thought it was propaganda, but I experienced it firsthand. I was surprised that the average Ghanaian salary is less than 5,000 GH₵, yet it costs 300,000 GH₵ to clear one car at the port. How are they going to pay?”
Dr. Ayariga questioned how ordinary Ghanaians, especially pensioners, could afford cars when they are priced at 700,000 GH₵.
He criticized the use of foreign currencies like the Dollar, Pound, and Euro in Ghanaian business transactions and reiterated his call for stakeholders to join his demonstration against the high taxes.
He concluded by urging the government to focus on completing their current term rather than aiming for an extended tenure, emphasizing that he will not sit idly by while Ghanaians suffer.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh (#RomeoWrites✍️) / Ahotoronline.com
