VADUG Challenges Port Policies and Unfair Competition as Ghana’s Business Leaders Advocate for Digital Rights and Sustainable Growth

The Vehicles and Assets Dealers Union of Ghana (VADUG) has raised a significant alarm over the surge of Chinese automobile brands in the country, warning that current trade dynamics create an unbalanced competitive landscape. During a press conference, VADUG President Bernard Ntrakwa highlighted a stark tax disparity where local dealers of used vehicles face duties between 35% and 50%, while Chinese assemblers benefit from tax exemptions for semi-knocked-down (SKD) and completely knocked-down (CKD) kits. Beyond taxation, the union expressed strong opposition to the government’s 'Publican AI' system at the ports, claiming it exacerbates costs and operational hurdles. VADUG warned that without urgent reform to include flat-rate duties and stricter retail regulations, Ghana risks becoming a 'dumping ground' for substandard older vehicles as foreign markets pivot toward electric options.

In tandem with industrial concerns, digital transformation was a central theme at the 10th Ghana CEO Summit. Philip Amoateng, Managing Director of Telecel Cash and Digital Transformation, advocated for internet connectivity to be recognized as a fundamental human right to propel Ghana into a leading digital economy. He cautioned that high upfront spectrum licensing fees could stifle long-term growth and urged for the prioritization of digital infrastructure in national development plans. The summit, which featured the launch of the CEO-Government Compact 2026 by President John Mahama, also recognized leadership excellence, awarding Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai the ‘CEO of the Year – Telecom’ title for her contributions to the industry.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and operational safety also took center stage as major firms reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable growth. Vivo Energy Ghana commemorated its 2026 Safety Day, celebrating a milestone of over 5,600 days without injuries while emphasizing the theme 'Prepare to Respond.' Meanwhile, Bank of Africa Ghana launched a nationwide initiative combining tree planting with financial literacy education in schools, aiming to instill environmental stewardship and responsible financial habits in the youth. In the manufacturing sector, Softcare FM Manufacturing Company spearheaded an anti-period shame campaign, donating sanitary products and emphasizing the role of quality local manufacturing in national development.

While Ghanaian businesses focus on local stability, broader regional and international trends highlight both opportunities and risks in the evolving global market. In Nairobi, a surge in fuel prices has triggered a 40% boom in electric motorbike sales, signaling a green energy transition that could soon reach West Africa. However, the risks of the digital age were underscored by a record $400 million fine against South Korean e-commerce giant Coupang for a massive data breach, alongside a recent conviction in Uganda for unauthorized personal data disclosure. Additionally, the rise of the agave spirit industry in India—turning a former weed into 'blue gold'—serves as a reminder of the potential for agricultural innovation. These developments suggest that for Ghanaian businesses to thrive, they must balance aggressive advocacy for fair trade with robust investments in safety, digital security, and sustainable innovation.