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The Vehicle and Assets Dealers Union of Ghana (VADUG) has called for extensive stakeholder engagement before the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) resumes its pre-shipment inspection policy for used vehicles. While the union acknowledges the importance of maintaining high vehicle safety standards, it warned that the current plan could impose significant financial burdens on importers and consumers if implemented without a clear, collaborative framework. The group is seeking a formal dialogue to ensure the policy is both effective and economically viable.
The union's General Secretary, Frank Kofigah Atanley, emphasized that conducting inspections outside Ghana significantly increases operational costs, which would likely be passed on to the final buyer. VADUG is advocating for a system that balances safety requirements with the economic sustainability of the automotive business. Specifically, the union is seeking more clarity on the implementation framework to avoid operational gaps and administrative bottlenecks that could disrupt the importation process.
Beyond cost concerns, the union is pushing for stricter scrutiny on salvage vehicles to ensure that only roadworthy cars enter the Ghanaian market. Mr. Atanley noted that while the union supports the policy's goal of improving consumer safety, it insists that the GSA must work closely with industry players to address potential hurdles. By fostering dialogue, the union believes the government can achieve high standards of vehicle safety without stifling the used car trade, which remains a vital component of the local economy.