‘Killer’ port charges will send NPP to opposition – Ken Agyapong

Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong

New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong has hit back at the government over increasing port charges.

Mr. Agyapong who has been a victim of high port duties himself has advised his government to put in stringent measures to arrest skyrocketing import duties, most of which he believes are illegal.

“I have someone working on a project for me at the port. I have imported some air conditioners. I was showed an invoice of USD 22,000 for all the air conditioners but I was shocked I have to pay an amount of USD 25,000 in port duties."

“I was like really? What is going on [in Ghana]? You charge so much on common air-condition. I am very upset and still can’t understand why I have to pay that much. The government should immediately do something about this,” he cried out loud.

Though the government had said in its budget to parliament that it had scrapped an existing one percent special import levy and some additional seven taxes, it appears it is yet to impact on port charges.

Mr. Agyapong on Adom TV’s morning show, Badwam Tuesday said the situation at the ports could cripple local businesses if care is not taken.

According to him, if the issue is not resolved, it could send the New Patriotic Party back into opposition.

“People can no longer take this exorbitant import duty anymore. This import duty system is a mess."

“Dr. Bawumia and the Finance Minister should work with the GRA boss to address the issue,” he said.