VADUG urges gov’t to suspend planned vehicle conformity verification programme

The Vehicle and Asset Dealers Union of Ghana (VADUG) has called upon the government to postpone the proposed Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) program for imported vehicles. The GSA is set to roll out the policy on October 1, 2026, mandating conformity checks for imported vehicles prior to their shipment to Ghana. The program aims to ensure imported vehicles meet Ghana’s safety and technical standards, safeguard consumers, and enhance regulatory compliance.

However, VADUG, while supporting the initiative, believes the scheduled timeline is unrealistic and could pose challenges for businesses in the vehicle importation sector. The union has expressed concerns that without considering the input of industry stakeholders, the implementation could bring about uncertainty and potentially jeopardize jobs within the sector.

VADUG General Secretary, Frank Kofigah Atanley, has requested the GSA to delay the program until further consultations are held. He cautioned that if the policy is implemented without addressing critical concerns, it may negatively impact the vehicle import trade and lead to job losses. Atanley emphasized that introducing such a policy through state agency action may raise more questions than answers, and that additional stakeholder engagement is essential to resolve safety concerns, clarify the operational framework, and ensure that new regulations benefit both consumers and businesses.