Abossey Okai spare parts dealers register displeasure with gov’t over numerous taxes

Spare parts dealers at Abossey Okai are expressing dissatisfaction with the incumbent government, citing concerns about the introduction of more taxes negatively affecting their businesses.

The spare parts dealers in an interview revealed that their expectation of the establishment of a stable business environment by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has not been met.

They urged the government to establish a business-friendly environment that will support economic growth.

“The country and everything in it are messed up, and everything has changed, right down to the food we eat. Everything is being taxed, and we don’t see what the tax is being used for. I am paying GH¢6,000 for a container, and a part I used to sell for GH¢5 is now GH¢20,” one spare parts dealer noted.

Another added; “Some two years ago, we were selling Toyota Vitz for GH¢35,000, but it is now selling for GH¢70,000, and the cost of spare parts has also shot up due to high import duties and the unstable exchange rates, and all we look forward to is voting this government out”.

It will be recalled that Parliament on Friday 22nd December 2023, passed five tax bills. The bills were; the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023, Excise Duty (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2023, Stamp Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2023, Emissions Levy Bill, 2023 and Exemptions (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

The VAT Bill seeks to expand the tax net extend the zero rate on locally manufactured products and waive the VAT on the import of electric vehicles for public transportation.

The application of the tax will also result in Motor Insurance Premiums going up by more than 21 per cent from this year. This is due to the application of Non-Life Insurance Business and products.