The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has supported the National Democratic Congress (NDC) proposal to implement a fixed rate on spare parts imports, contingent on the party’s success in the upcoming December 7 elections.
John Dramani Mahama, the NDC’s flagbearer, unveiled the policy on August 24 during the party’s manifesto launch at the University of Education, Winneba.
He stated that the fixed rate system would bring transparency to the charges associated with importing vehicle parts, potentially reducing the cost of spare parts for consumers and improving the competitiveness of the local spare parts industry.
Takyi Addo, the association’s head of communications, expressed a positive outlook on the NDC’s proposal.
“Four months ago, former President John Dramani Mahama visited Abossey Okai and discussed the idea of fixed rates with us.
Fixed rates will address several issues we face at the port.
For example, a fixed rate on a 20-foot container, which currently costs us 5,000, would remain constant for an extended period, such as 10 or 15 years.
This stability would help mitigate some of our port-related challenges.”
Despite their support for the NDC’s proposal, Addo indicated that the association is taking a cautious and thorough approach to reviewing policies from the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“We are currently evaluating the manifestos of both major political parties. While no single policy can resolve all our issues immediately, we hope for gradual improvements.
We will make a definitive statement after thoroughly analyzing the proposals from both parties.”