Secretary for the Secondhand Car Dealers Assembly, Clifford Ansu, has expressed concern over the difficulties facing their industry, attributing the challenges to unfavorable government policies.
According to Mr. Ansu, these policies have negatively impacted their businesses, with the government disregarding their concerns despite repeated appeals.
As a result, many businesses in the sector have collapsed, while others struggle to stay afloat.
Speaking in an interview with Kwadwo Sefah-Danquah on the Happy Morning Show on Tuesday, December 18, he explained that economic hardships have left Ghanaians unable to afford imported cars, leading to low sales. Additionally, the unstable dollar exchange rate, coupled with high import duties and taxes, have made the situation worse.
Mr. Ansu emphasized that many dealers forced out of business are now seeking alternative livelihoods to survive.
Comparing the situation to previous years, Mr. Ansu noted that the cost of vehicles has drastically increased due to the unstable dollar rate. He noted that, a Toyota Vitz, which sold for between GHS 25,000 and GHS 26,000 in 2020, now costs around GHS 85,000. This sharp rise he stressed has made cars unaffordable for most Ghanaians, worsening the challenges faced by dealers.
He identified these economic factors as the primary reasons for the sector’s decline and called for urgent measures to address them.