Photos: Mahama commissions Phase Three of Zonda Tech vehicle assembly plant

President John Dramani Mahama officially opened Phase Three of the Zonda Tech Ghana Limited Vehicle Assembly Plant in Tema Golf City on Tuesday, September 15. This expansion is part of the government's push for increased local involvement in the automotive sector. During the commissioning ceremony, Mahama announced plans to establish a minimum local assembly requirement for vehicle manufacturers applying for VAT exemptions under a new incentive framework.

This measure aims to ensure that companies receiving tax benefits engage in substantial assembly and manufacturing activities within Ghana instead of merely importing almost-complete vehicles for limited local assembly.

Mahama emphasized that manufacturers would be required to source a greater proportion of components locally, including batteries, tires, wiring harnesses, seats, glass, plastics, and metal parts. By developing local component manufacturing, the President noted that jobs would be created, domestic supply chains would be strengthened, and the value retained in Ghana would increase.

He added that the government's automotive incentive framework details would be included in the upcoming national budget. Mahama stressed that the goal is for Ghana's automotive industry to eventually produce vehicles and components for both the domestic and African markets.