The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has requested an urgent meeting with the Minister of Health regarding the continued suspension of the Vehicle Importation Tax Waiver for public sector medical doctors and dentists.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, and signed by its President, Dr. Frank Serebour, and General Secretary, Dr. Richard Selormey, the GMA expressed concern over the prolonged delay in implementing the waiver.
The policy, included in the Conditions of Service agreement signed on March 27, 2024, was set to take effect in July 2024.
However, the association noted that some members who imported vehicles under the agreement have been unable to clear them at the port due to the suspension, putting them at risk of confiscation.
“Members would recall that in a communication to members on 19th February 2025, we informed you of the challenges and requested that members who planned to use the waiver should hold on with their applications while we resolved issues with the implementation,” parts or the statement read.
GMA also stated that it wrote to the Minister of Health on February 20, 2025, highlighting the challenges and urging immediate intervention, especially for doctors whose vehicles remain stranded at the port.
Despite engagements with stakeholders and assurances from authorities, the association noted that no progress had been made in reinstating the waiver or releasing the vehicles.
“The National Executive Council, as a matter of principle, has resolved to request an urgent meeting with the Minister of Health to address the challenges and ensure that the Vehicle Importation Tax Waiver is reinstated, particularly for members whose cars are still stuck at the ports,” the statement added.
The GMA also announced plans to hold an emergency meeting following discussions with the minister to decide on the next steps and update its members.
Dr. Frank Serebour reassured members that leadership was “working round the clock” to ensure the waiver’s implementation as outlined in the Conditions of Service agreement.
Read Full Statement Below:
