The President of the Trade Advocacy Group, Ghana (TAGG), Kwadwo Amoateng, has raised concerns about the country’s struggling transportation sector.
Engaging the press earlier today, Amoateng described this as an issue of great concern, given its impact on traders and ordinary Ghanaians, and called on the government specifically the Ministry of Transport to act swiftly adding that even though the association has submitted proposals to the Ministry of Transportation on the matter, little to nothing has been done to address them.
“We also wish to place on record our concerns about the broader transportation crisis facing traders, workers, and ordinary Ghanaians. Every day, particularly between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., thousands of people are stranded at markets and transport terminals, struggling to find vehicles home after a day’s work. We did not merely complain. We proposed a solution. Our petition to the Presidency was recognised and forwarded to the Ministry of Transport. Yet, despite the seriousness of this crisis, meaningful action remains outstanding,” Amoateng stated.
He stated that significant among the association’s proposals was a call for a 50% reduction in import duties on commercial vehicles for a specified period, to encourage private investment and increase the number of commercial vehicles.
“Among our proposals was a 50% reduction in import duties on commercial vehicles for a specified period to encourage private investment and increase the number of commercial vehicles,” he stated.
TAGG also questioned President Mahama’s appointment of the Transport Minister, describing him as incompetent over his failure to tackle the transport crisis affecting traders and workers.
“We therefore maintain that our description of the Transport Minister as incompetent is based on what we consider his continued failure to adequately address these serious and persistent challenges affecting Ghanaian traders and workers,” he added.
Amoateng added that if government-appointed officials cannot effectively address problems that directly affect the livelihoods of Ghanaians, then their competence and performance must be seriously reviewed.
“If government-appointed officials cannot effectively address persistent problems that directly affect the livelihoods of Ghanaians, then their competence and performance must be seriously reviewed,” he said.
The Trade Advocacy Group, Ghana (TAGG) acts as a unified voice for over 6,000 traders and 100 member sub-associations operating across Ghana and international borders. Headquartered in Accra, TAGG functions as a critical intermediary between local business operators and government regulators.
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