Spare parts dealers at the Suame Magazine in Kumasi have vowed to resort to about 50 to 70% price hikes if the obnoxious Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered valuation system at Ghana’s ports is not reversed.
They have vehemently opposed the introduction of an Artificial Intelligence -powered valuation system and threatened significant price increases to correspond with, if the policy is not scrapped.
The Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Spare Parts Dealers Association, expressed these concerns at a news conference in Kumasi.
They described the system as a threat to their livelihoods and called on the government to abolish it immediately.
Suame Magazine Chairman of the Association, Godfred Adu said while addressing the news conference that the policy was steadily undermining their operations.
According to him, the AI system, implemented by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to determine the value of imported goods has rather led to sharp increases in import duties.
He noted that the valuations are often high and unpredictable, leaving many traders struggling to remain profitable.
“Some of our members are already running at a loss, and others are on the verge of shutting down,” he said.
The dealers conveyed their concerns on placards, some of which read: “Stop the AI Hardship,” “We Are Losing Our Businesses” and “Review the System Now” to drum home their message.
Mr. Adu further cautioned that failure to address their concerns would force dealers to raise prices of spare parts by between 50 and 70 percent to stay in business.
The traders also raised concerns about the stalled Suame Interchange project.
According to them, the prolonged construction has rendered the area dusty all year round, which affects their goods and reduces their appeal to customers. This also leads to a decline in sales as a result.
The dealers, therefore, urged the government to expedite work on the interchange to improve business conditions in the area.
They warned that if their grievances are not addressed, they may advise themselves as to the next line of action.
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