Kingsley Kofi Aidoo

Joy will find you☘️

[Franklin CUDJOE @lordcudjoe]

Forwarded from another platform..See IMANI's take after reading this well argued commentary..

"
WHEN A SYSTEM MAKES DECENT LIVING IMPOSSIBLE, IT CREATES DANGEROUS PRESSURE. GHANAIANS ARE ASKING FOR LOWER DUTIES, NOT VEHICLE BANS.
To: John Dramani Mahama

Let’s make this simple: Ghanaians are not asking government to ban imported vehicles. We are asking government to make them affordable.

The real problem has never been simply the age of imported vehicles. The problem is the excessive duties, levies and taxes imposed on vehicles before an ordinary Ghanaian can legally put them on the road.

Is it not insane to pay around GH₵72,000 in duty on a 2018 Honda Accord 1.5L Touring, when that same vehicle could potentially be bought for less than the duty alone at an auction in the USA?

Let’s stop pretending.

A significant number of vehicles on our roads are imported from auctions. Many are bought by young Ghanaians who are simply trying to acquire a decent, reliable vehicle within their means.

So why are we making it unnecessarily difficult for them?

Consider this: if a civil servant earns less than GH₵3,000 a month, how many years would it take to raise GH₵72,000 for duty?

Even if that person saved the entire GH₵3,000 salary every month, without spending one pesewa on food, rent, transportation, electricity, family responsibilities or anything else, it would take 24 months, two full years.

And we all know nobody can survive like that.

So what exactly are we solving?

A vehicle is not a luxury for many Ghanaians. It is a means of getting to work, doing business, transporting goods, taking children to school and earning a living.

Then comes the taxation.

Take the 15% VAT.

Value Added Tax.

Added value to what?

If I personally import the vehicle with my own money, pay for it, ship it into Ghana and go through the entire importation process myself, what value has government added to that particular vehicle to justify charging me nearly GH₵32,000 in VAT?

And let’s be clear: that GH₵32,000 VAT is not even the end of the story.

There are additional levies, including approximately GH₵5,300 for the National Health Insurance Levy and another GH₵5,300 for the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Levy.

So we have to ask:

Are Ghanaians not already paying National Health Insurance contributions?

Are we not already paying taxes that support education?

Are parents not already paying school fees and other education-related charges?

Why must an individual importing one vehicle be hit with thousands of cedis in additional charges for services for which citizens are already paying through other taxes and contributions?

This is not an argument against taxation.

It is an argument against excessive and layered taxation.

And we need to confront a much bigger problem.

ARE WE NOT PUSHING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TOO HARD?

Every human being wants a decent and comfortable life. Young Ghanaians are no different.

They want a good home. They want a reliable car. They want to start businesses. They want to dress well, take care of their families and enjoy the fruits of their hard work.

But when the legitimate route to achieving these things becomes increasingly difficult, expensive and frustrating, we create dangerous incentives for people to look for shortcuts.

When a young person works honestly and earns GH₵3,000 a month, yet faces taxes, levies, duties, rent, food, transportation and family responsibilities that consume almost everything they earn, while basic assets remain out of reach, what kind of society are we building?

We cannot keep squeezing citizens economically and then act surprised when some young people become desperate.

Ghana must be careful not to create the conditions that push its own young people towards criminality.

This is not an excuse for crime. Criminality is wrong and individuals must be responsible for their actions.

But government also has a responsibility to create an economic environment where honest work can realistically provide a decent life.

If the country we are citizens of becomes so expensive that citizens feel economically trapped by the very system that is supposed to serve them, then we have to ask serious questions about our policies.

Taxation should fund development, not destroy the economic aspirations of the people being taxed.

If government genuinely wants Ghanaians to use newer, safer and more environmentally friendly vehicles, then the solution should be obvious:

MAKE NEWER VEHICLES AFFORDABLE.

Reduce the duties, levies and taxes drastically.

When newer vehicles become affordable to import and clear, people will naturally move away from very old vehicles.

You cannot make newer vehicles unaffordable and then punish citizens for choosing older ones.

And let's be honest about another reality: many of these vehicles are not purchased brand-new from manufacturers. They are used vehicles, often acquired through auctions because that is what ordinary people can afford.

So instead of creating policies that effectively push decent vehicles beyond the reach of young Ghanaians, government should ask:

How do we make safer and newer vehicles more affordable for the ordinary citizen?

That is the conversation we should be having.

Is owning a vehicle in Ghana now a crime?

What exactly are we paying for?

We have failed, as a country, to develop a strong domestic vehicle manufacturing industry, yet we impose enormous taxes on vehicles citizens import with their own money.

If government wants to discourage old vehicles, don't ban people's choices. Fix the economics.

Make newer cars affordable.

Make the tax system reasonable.

Make vehicle ownership accessible.

Stop solving problems like blind people. Listen to what citizens are actually asking for.

Ghanaians are not asking for favours.

We are asking for reasonable taxation.

LOWER THE DUTIES. LOWER THE LEVIES. MAKE NEWER VEHICLES AFFORDABLE.

That is how you get people into newer vehicles, not by making decent cars financially impossible to own.

JamesTheJust"

IMANI Challenges GSA’s Ban on Vehicles Over 15 Years Old

IMANI Centre for Policy & Education is questioning the Ghana Standards Authority’s blanket restriction on the importation of vehicles older than 15 years, arguing that roadworthiness, safety and mechanical condition should carry greater weight than age alone.

While IMANI supports stronger controls against unsafe, flood-damaged and structurally compromised vehicles, the analysis raises legal, economic and consumer concerns about using a vehicle’s age as the decisive test.

IMANI’s analysis highlights:
🔸 Whether the 15-year restriction has a clear statutory basis.
🔸 The need to distinguish vehicle safety from vehicle age.
🔸 Potential effects on consumers, dealers, mechanics and clearing agents.
🔸 Possible implications for Customs revenue and vehicle affordability.
🔸 The need to assess the actual benefits of protecting local vehicle assembly.

“If danger is the disease, test for danger. Do not diagnose a vehicle by its birth certificate.”

IMANI’s position is that regulation should target defects, not dates. Ghana can strengthen vehicle safety standards without unnecessarily pricing ordinary citizens out of mobility or disrupting the wider used vehicle ecosystem.

Read the full IMANI analysis here:
🔗 https://t.co/kq8cXXebVd

#IMANIvoices #GhanaEconomy #AutomotiveIndustry #ConsumerProtection #PublicPolicy #Governance

[Kingsley Kofi Aidoo @KKofiAidoo]

You cannot tell me this is not apɔ... nahh

[Campus Anas @campus_anas]

Some of the fastest answers in NSMQ history 🔥

[Everest @novieverest]

I'd rather do Maths.
What is this confusion with English Language?

I'm sure we are plenty who failed this. 😂😂😂😂

[Kofi Kinaata @KinaataGh]

Dear Black Stars, permission to dance with your song at Atebubu ✌️🤩

[Kingsley Kofi Aidoo @KKofiAidoo]

@Iam_Monney @chefabbys Even better quality...lol

Start your tour from Elubo all the way to Axim...

[Kingsley Kofi Aidoo @KKofiAidoo]

@Iam_Monney @chefabbys Depends on where you are in Ghana...Gh is not only Accra!

You can get it cheaper than the 40cedis in some areas in Ghana.

[Kingsley Kofi Aidoo @KKofiAidoo]

Good job

[Cassiel Ato Forson (PhD) @Cassielforson]

In the past, Ghana spent over 50 percent of its national revenue on servicing debt.

This left less money for schools, hospitals, roads and other essential infrastructure.

Today, I am proud to say that we have made significant progress.

We now spend less than 20 per cent of our revenue on servicing debt!

[Kingsley Kofi Aidoo @KKofiAidoo]

@AfenyoMarkin you have a missed call on #newsfile.
Long and short is, you're accused that you're making noise about Goldbod because of "Extortion".
Care to tell us what you tried to extort from @SammyGyamfi_ ??
Nsem wɔ world.

[Kingsley Kofi Aidoo @KKofiAidoo]

Ghana is crazily overpriced!

[Chefabbys @chefabbys]

I bought 5 plates of food at a restaurant in Togo for my team , decent food! Everything cost 335cedis. On that note, I'm officially staying in togo 🙏🏼

[Emirates @emirates]

Looks like someone’s enjoying the legroom...

[Kingsley Kofi Aidoo @KKofiAidoo]

The chief of staff apparently approved this trip to waste tax payers' money.
Crazy stuff

[Zionfelix @onua_zionfelix]

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon Linda Obenewaa Akweley Oclo returns to Ghana after official visit to America

Whilst there the regional minister visited the Ghana ambassador to USA and also entreated Ghanaians in the states to invest back home.

The engagement formed part of the Minister’s participation in activities associated with Ghana Fest USA, being held in Washington, D.C. and Maryland.

[Kingsley Kofi Aidoo @KKofiAidoo]

Felt bad for this policeman. I mean he was just just doing his work. Even if profiling, cooperate amd move on until he tries to do anything untoward or unlawful.

[Somto Okonkwo @General_Somto]

“What Do You Mean You’re Stopping Us For Stop-And-Search? Why Didn’t You Stop The Other Cars? You’re Only Stopping People Driving Benz, And That’s Profiling.” ~ Man Confronts Police Officers During a Stop-And-Search Operation In Lagos.

[Kingsley Kofi Aidoo @KKofiAidoo]

It's painful... truly.

[Tech In Twi @tech_twi]

To everyone, especially the foot soldiers

[Michael Taiwo @AskMichaelTaiwo]

Compound interest is simple enough to explain and difficult enough to respect.

You earn a return on your original money. Then you begin earning returns on earlier returns. Time turns addition into multiplication.

The same mechanism works against you with high-interest debt.

That symmetry matters.

A modest amount invested consistently can grow because yesterday's gain is allowed to work today. A balance carried on an expensive credit line can also grow because yesterday's charge creates a larger base for tomorrow's charge.

Compounding does not care whether the direction helps you.

It rewards whatever you repeat.

The dramatic financial decision receives attention: the winning investment, the large bonus, the new business. But long-term outcomes are often decided by the small automatic behaviour that survives ordinary months.

Start with what you can sustain. Understand fees. Avoid promises of guaranteed high returns. Increase the amount when your income rises.

You do not need a spectacular beginning.

You need a direction that time is willing to amplify.

[Kingsley Kofi Aidoo @KKofiAidoo]

A week later, 13 perished right under our noses in Accra and not a word from you...Simply because they are "nobody".

Otua wo yonko a, otua dua'm.

[Fifi Fiavi Kwetey @fifi_kwetey]

Some losses never truly fade. Today, we pause to remember the eight gallant patriots we lost in the line of duty—a loss that touched families, colleagues, our institutions, and the entire nation.

They answered the call to serve Ghana with courage, honour, and selflessness. Though their journey was cut short, their dedication to duty and love for country will forever remain a source of inspiration.

As we mark one year since that tragic day, we honour their memories, celebrate their service, and stand in solidarity with their families and loved ones.

May the souls of Hon. Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Mr. Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah continue to rest in perfect peace.

Ghana remembers. Ghana is grateful. We will never forget. 🕊️🇬🇭

[Kingsley Kofi Aidoo @KKofiAidoo]

Are you also running for the top seat anaa?
Well, ... .

[Fifi Fiavi Kwetey @fifi_kwetey]

Sometimes, the wait may be longer than we expected. But remember, not every delay is a denial. Some things simply take time to come together.

Keep believing, keep praying, and keep going. The wait may be long, but the reward can be worth every moment. ✨

Have a beautiful week ahead. May it bring you good news, open doors, unexpected blessings and many reasons to smile.

[Kingsley Kofi Aidoo @KKofiAidoo]

After all the noise, this guy is joining the cartel... Ghana! 😭🤣

[Aristotlektv @aristotledada]

Captain Smart clash with the current MP for Gomoa West at Gomoa Techiman. Gomoa West deserves BETTER, Captain Smart all the WAY.
#Wony3WildGomoaWest

[Kingsley Kofi Aidoo @KKofiAidoo]

At this point, I'm sure you're so tired of our leaders here that you may even consider not coming to live here again... I mean the country is just a mess in any way you look at it. 🤦🏽‍♂️

[Tech In Twi @tech_twi]

That is a picture of failed leadership. This is a village road, yet the cost of living in Dansoman is over 3 times higher than it is here. Both the NPP and NDC are fake people who claim to care about the country but come to power to take its resources for their friends and families.

[Saddick Adams @SaddickAdams]

17,405 have died from road crashes in Ghana between 2020-2026

It is the leading cause of death in Ghana among persons aged 5-29 years according to WHO.

60% of death are males with average of 35.

2025 recorded highest number of deaths (2994) in the last 35 years.

[Kingsley Kofi Aidoo @KKofiAidoo]

Abrɔ ne bɛyie

[Kasongo Bayanga @kwamebounty]

@MusahShiraz1 U call this responsible? Choosing to deliberately sabotage a bill that he now confesses was the better choice?