Mahamudu Bawumia pledges to scrap $300 used-car inspection fee

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer for the 2028 presidential election, has pledged to abolish the proposed Pre-shipment Verification and Inspection policy for imported used vehicles. The policy, which would impose a fee of approximately $300 on imports, has been a major point of contention for Ghanaian traders. Speaking during a series of discussions with the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), Bawumia stated that an NPP government under his leadership would entirely discard the inspection regime to ease the financial pressure on the business sector. This commitment positions the Vice President as a proponent of trade facilitation and economic relief.

The proposed fee has faced sustained criticism from the business community, with many arguing that it would lead to higher vehicle prices and increased costs for consumers. Although the policy had been previously suspended following initial protests, there remained widespread concern among importers that it might be reintroduced. Bawumia’s commitment specifically addresses these fears, emphasizing that the abolition would be permanent rather than a temporary suspension. By promising to eliminate the regime entirely, he aims to provide long-term predictability for the automobile import market and reduce the overall cost of doing business at the nation's ports.

The pledge is part of a broader effort by the NPP flagbearer to engage with key economic stakeholders and build a platform centered on economic growth and deregulation. By addressing the specific grievances of GUTA members, Bawumia is signaling a shift toward more trade-friendly policies ahead of the 2028 polls. This development is expected to be well-received by importers who have long advocated for a reduction in the number of levies and fees associated with vehicle importation. As the political landscape evolves under the current administration of President John Mahama, such policy proposals will likely form a central part of the upcoming electoral debate.