GMA demands urgent meeting with health minister over suspended vehicle tax waiver

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has called for an urgent meeting with the Minister of Health over the continued suspension of the Vehicle Importation Tax Waiver for medical doctors and dentists in the public sector.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, 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 was part of the Conditions of Service agreement signed on March 27, 2024, and was expected to take effect in July 2024.

According to the association, some members who imported vehicles under the agreement have been unable to clear them at the port due to the suspension, leaving 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,” the statement said.

It added that on February 20, 2025, the GMA wrote to the Minister of Health, drawing attention to the difficulties and calling for urgent intervention, particularly for doctors whose vehicles remain stranded at the port.

Despite engagements with various stakeholders and assurances from authorities, the GMA noted that there had been no progress 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 said.

The GMA further announced that it would hold an emergency meeting after the engagement with the minister to determine the next steps and communicate the outcome to its members.

Mr. Serebour assured members that the leadership was “working round the clock” to ensure the waiver’s implementation as agreed in the Conditions of Service.

Read below the full statement: