Locally assembled automobile companies in Ghana are optimistic about a significant drop in the price of their vehicles soon.
This is based on the government’s Ghana Automotive Development Programme which would give such businesses tax breaks of up to 10 years.
A Brand Manager at Silver Star Auto, Delali Greenstock, whose outfit is collaborating with French vehicle giant, Peugeot, to assemble their cars in Ghana, is confident that they would be able to post lower prices once the program is fully implemented.
“In the very near future, we are expecting the prices to really drop because we are expecting the government to come up with all the incentives and tax holidays that have been promised. Once this is done the vehicles are going to be much more affordable.”
Commenting on quality concerns, Marketing Manager at Silver Star Auto, Albert Eshun, stressed that the locally manufactured cars were put together under strict compliance with international best practices.
“The ones that are produced in Ghana are of the same quality as the ones that come from Europe and other parts of the world but the prices are going to be much more attractive.”
Already, the government as part of measures to ensure that the vehicles are sold at competitive prices has decided to zero-rate the sale of these vehicles for a period of eighteen months.
Minister for Finance Ken Ofori- Atta had earlier indicated that the Ghana Automotive Development Programme under the Strategic Anchor Industries Initiative was continuing to attract investments.
“In April 2022, Nissan commissioned the largest automotive assembly plant in Ghana (in Tema), with the capacity to assemble over 31,000 vehicles per annum. The expected commissioning of four (4) additional plants this year, bringing the total to nine (9) global brands, will make this nation a true hub for automobiles in the sub-region,” he added.
Both employees of Silverstar Auto Limited spoke to Citi Business News on the sidelines of the Ghana Corporate Brand Awards 2022.
At the event, Silver Star Auto Limited was adjudged the Brand of the year (Car Dealership).
The Ghana Corporate Brand Awards provide credible recognition for the most popular & trusted brands in Ghana.
The award is intended to bring together the most credible and consistent companies across various industries.
This accolade reassures existing customers that they are engaging with the right brand and motivates potential customers to try the brand.