Ghana won't use U.S definition of "salvage" to ban second-hand cars - Trade Minister
Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen has revealed that the government of Ghana
will not adopt the United States’ definition of what constitutes
salvaged cars in banning the import of second-hand cars into Ghana.
He said there are some cars that have been described as salvaged by
insurance companies in the US and other parts of the world that could
still be fit-for-purpose and can be used in Ghana.
For instance, he explained, in the US even if a tail light of a car
scratches, the insurance companies in that part of the world will
declare it as a salvaged car, meanwhile that car can be driven and serve
very useful purpose.
Such cars, he said, will not qualify under salvaged vehicles in Ghana.
All things being equal, the ban placed on the import of damaged vehicles will take
effect on November 1.
The ban, according to policy makers, is to ensure that the local market
is not flooded with damaged cars that can threaten the lives of
Ghanaians.
Some importers have, however, raised concerns about the plan, saying that the
implementation will take them out of job.
But Mr Kyerematen said on Wontumi TV Friday, September 11 that “there is
no need to entertain any fear because Ghana will not adopt the US
definition of salvaged carsâ€.
“In the US, even if the tail light of car scratches a bit, the Insurance
companies will declare it as salvaged but that is not what we will use
in Ghana.â€
He assured importers that the government will always work in their interest.
