Bangkok:Former Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Michael Okyere Baafi, has announced that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia plans to abolish the Ghana Standards Authority's mandatory pre-shipment vehicle inspection policy if elected as President in the 2028 general elections.
According to Ghana Web, Okyere Baafi shared this information during an appearance on the *Good Afternoon Ghana* show on Metro TV. He criticized the policy for imposing unnecessary financial burdens on vehicle importers, potentially raising the cost of vehicles for consumers.
The policy, part of the GSA's Pre-Shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC) and FlexiPass Programme, requires used vehicles destined for Ghana to be inspected by approved agents in their countries of origin before shipment. Initially scheduled for implementation on October 1, 2026, the programme has been suspended as of October 5, 2026, following feedback from importers and industry stakeholders.
Okyere Baafi argues that the suspension doesn't suffice, advocating for the policy's complete withdrawal. He highlights that the additional inspection fees, ranging from US$200 to US$300 per vehicle depending on the export country, would exacerbate financial challenges for importers and raise vehicle costs for consumers. He suggests that existing mechanisms could be enhanced to address concerns such as stolen vehicles without imposing further verification requirements.
Dr. Bawumia's commitment to revisiting this policy is part of his proposed actions during his first ten days in office if elected. This move aims to alleviate the concerns of vehicle importers and related stakeholders over the financial implications of the inspection programme.
The Ghana Standards Authority defends the policy, emphasizing its role in ensuring that imported vehicles meet national safety, quality, and environmental standards. The programme is designed to identify non-conforming vehicles before their shipment to Ghana, protecting consumers against unsafe and substandard vehicles. The standards cover vehicles with structural, flood, or fire damage and restrict imports of vehicles exceeding the age limit.
While the GSA has paused the inspection exercise, the debate over the policy's future continues. Okyere Baafi maintains that a permanent withdrawal is preferable, a stance Dr. Bawumia is anticipated to pursue if he assumes the presidency.