FLASHBACK: Twitter users shocked as import duty on car skyrockets from GH¢49K to GH¢55K within a month

Last year, Ghanaians were furious over the rate of increase in port charges for imports, especially vehicles.

The cause for the uproar was amplified when car dealers lamented the over 20% increase in the port charges within the space of a month.

A year on, the story has not changed and this has led to the increase in the prices of cars and other imports in the country.

Read the full story originally published on September 23, 2022 by GhanaWeb

A post shared on social media in which a car dealer witnessed a drastic increment in final duty and taxes payable for an imported vehicle, in a month, has left many users dumbfounded.

Sharing details of the tax invoice, the expected amount to be paid moved from GH¢49,000 to GH¢55,000 within one month.

This new charge makes a GH¢6,000 difference from the initial price.

ECOWAS levy, Network Charge COVID Health, Network Charge VAT, Import NHIL, Network Charge NHIL were among the about 11 levies imposed on a single vehicle.

A Twitter user identified as @BrodoSchemes shared the invoice detailing the rather significant change on his page saying; “From 49k to 55k real quick! A difference in just about a month.”

His post has since drawn varied reactions from Ghanaians on Twitter who bemoaned the increase and indicated that the system is somewhat designed to deprive citizens of making headway in their daily lives.

Another car dealer, sharing a similar experience on the same app said a 2015 Honda Civic duty cost almost GH¢33,000 while the container fee cost around GH¢3,400.

He added that should the agent, clearing and towing charges come into effect, one would be looking at paying about GH¢40,000 in duty charges at the ports for the vehicle.

In reaction to the post, another tweep wrote, “For you to understand what this man is saying better, let me give you some small comparison…Duty for a 2016 Honda Civic in May 2021 was GH¢ 15,527.40.”

Meanwhile, some users have attributed the profiteering nature of Ghanaians to the cause of the high import duty on goods.

See the reactions on Twitter below

2015 Honda Civic duty be almost 33k
Container fee be 3400
Agent, clearing charges den tow come add den u dey look at almost 40k for port alone.
This car used to sell for 55-65k recently !!!
If I price car den some kiddies dey diss me den edey funny me. Ano get your time sef. pic.twitter.com/YV5BIBuUv7

— YourCarGuy ???????????? (@FrankDoe101) September 22, 2022

For you to understand what this man is saying better, let me give you some small comparison… Duty for a 2016 Honda Civic in May 2021 was Ghc 15,527.40.
So you barb why cars are mad expensive now? God “safe” us!! Medaaase! ???? pic.twitter.com/djLau6M5i6

— Daario Naharis ❤️????⚡️ (@rashbaey) September 23, 2022

Look at some of the unnecessary levies and you’ll understand why this country is run by hardened criminals. @NAkufoAddo pic.twitter.com/NffiumU9qc

— Mr. Enjoyment (@Geniuskojo) September 23, 2022

The way things dey go how wanna generation go build houses and buy the cars too some?? That import duty thread just make I feel basaa this morning

— #EverydayForBrown&Tia♥️????️ (@CjKofi) September 23, 2022

My guys dema garage for djorwulu, if dem price the car 90k wey you get buyer, dem no dey care how much you go take give am. All they need is the 90k. Be like you people no know how to do business in this Accra….

— SLV (@SLV3303) September 23, 2022

I've been dabbling on that IAA website for a good deal on a CR-V this whole week.
See, it's some mean contact sport out there. Car dealers are really going through it.

— Agyenim-Boateng. (@agyenim_I3) September 23, 2022