Chairperson of the Parliamentary Roads and Transport Committee, and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ayensuano constituency, Samuel Ayeh-Paye has said the proposed ban on the importation of second-hand cars does not affect fairly used cars.

He noted that, cars that are less than ten years old, and are in good condition can be imported into the country.

“It is not true that, we are putting a ban on importation of used cars. If your car is less than ten years, you can bring it. If it is not an “accident-car”, you can import it. It is only overaged cars and accident cars that we plan on banning” he made this clarification speaking in an interview today on Rainbow radio.

The MP argued that, contrary to opposing views, the ban on second-hand cars through the proposed Customs (Amendment) Bill, 2020, will help Ghana’s economy by boosting exports.

“We are trying to move from Guggisberg economy to a modern economy where we will add value to our raw materials for exports. By this, we are trying to reduce importation of some things and manufacture them in Ghana. Hence we are encouraging the establishment of automobile assembly plants in Ghana (with the bill)”

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“The ban will encourage patronage of locally assembled vehicles. This which will help companies that invest in Ghana by establishing car assemble factories to easily tap into market. After a while, the country can start exporting some of these cars” the MP said.

Hon Ayeh-Paye asserted that, in contrast to arguments raised by car dealers and importers, the cars to be assembled in Ghana will not be expensive due to waiver of duties on vehicle parts imported for the manufacturing process.

“If you speak with importers of cars, they complain about the huge duties paid on vehicles imported. If the car is going to be manufactured in Ghana, no duties will be paid making it a lot affordable for everyone.” He added.

Moreover, the MP asserted that, creating a conducive environment for investors in the automobile industry will Ghana will avail many opportunities for the youth.

“If the directive goes through, it will bring a lot of jobs to the youth, especially automobile engineers in Ghana” he noted.

He therefore urged enraged car dealers and importers to rather support the Akufo-Addo led government to pass the bill in order to enjoy its benefits.