President Akufo-Addo has directed all government agencies to purchase locally assembled vehicles effective July 2020.
The latest government directive comes after Volkswagen (VW) started assembling cars in the country.
The Volkswagen VW Tiguan is the first model the automobile company has worked on in the country and it has advanced features like panoramic view, digital dashboard, sensors with a 2.0 engine.
According to the President, the move will not only help industrialize the economy but also boost employment, encourage investment and help government preserve foreign exchange.
A statement signed by the Chief of Staff, Frema Osei-Opare disclosed that the Ministry of Trade would subsequently provide information on companies that are locally assembling vehicles in the country.
“The President has directed that effective July, 2020, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), as well as all State Owned Agencies which desire to acquire new vehicles, should prioritize as their first option the purchase of locally assembled vehicles they intend to procure,” the statement read.
The statement added that, “All MDAs, MMDAs and other Government establishments are to take note of the policy for compliance.”
ALSO READ: Unpaid salaries: Metro Mass staff to embark on sit-down strike
The Chief of Staff further notified the various government agencies to seek approval from her office before initiating any process to procure the vehicles.
Kantanka Automobile is also known for assembling vehicles in the country. Government in 2019 gave the automobile company a 10-year tax holiday and also granted them a duty-free deal when they import materials for assembling and manufacturing purposes.
In addition, the Akufo-Addo-led government in 2019 procured over 500 of their vehicles for various ministries and agencies.
