My Gov’t will Ensure Import Duty Aligns with Togo’s- Bawumia

The 2024 Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia says his future government will ensure alignment of import duties with Togo.

Addressing the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs on June 10, 2024, ahead of the commencement of his campaign tour in the region, he said Togo’s lower import rate gives them an advantage over Ghana and breeds corruption and smuggling in Ghana’s borders.

With his two-edged sword, that is, alignment and predictability, he is hopeful import duties will be cut to a reasonable rate either below or equaling that of Togo’s.

“I will introduce predictability in import duty in cedis. We have to start respecting our cedis right from the port. There will be a flat rate for predictability. The absence of this results in the disparity and higher import duties. There will be a flat import rate for goods.”

“Togo has lower import rates compared to Ghana so all those who intend to import use the port of Togo instead of Ghana and then smuggle the goods into the country. My government will cut import duties to deal with smuggling. Togo will no longer have a lower import duty compared to ours.”

Chairing the meeting was Asante Mamponghene Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, and among the chiefs present were Domeabrahene Nana Kusi Oboadum I, Offinsohene Nana Dwamena Akenten II, Tepahene Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem I and Bompatamanhene Nana Effah Appenteng.

Queens in the Ashanti Region were also duly represented and included Mamponghemaa Nana Agyakoma Difie II, and Eijisuhemaa Nana Yaa Asantewaa II.

The Vice President was accompanied by the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Akosuah Fremah Osei Opare, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Suame, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, MP for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Sarfo, Minister for Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, the Chairman of the NPP, Stephen Ntim and the General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong.