A man has been taken into custody for allegedly the windscreens of multiple vehicles parked at the premises of Parliament.
Witnesses reported seeing the suspect, whose name has not been disclosed, walking among the parked cars and using a metal object to smash the windscreens.
The reason behind the act remains unclear.
Security personnel stationed at Parliament responded quickly and apprehended the suspect at the scene.
One person has been arrested in connection with an attack at the Parliament House which has caused significant damages to four Land Cruiser V8 vehicles belonging to members of parliament.
According to sources, he entered the parliament premises posing as a preacher, then, along… pic.twitter.com/SQn6ZJooF5
While being held by the security personnel, he was heard saying, “Father have mercy on them. Daddy, they don’t know what they are doing… It is for your own good.”
Ghana has climbed four spots in the latestFIFA rankings followingthe Black Stars’ consecutive victories in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
This advancement has boosted Ghana to 64th place globally and 12th in Africa, surpassing Cape Verde and Burkina Faso, who had previously ranked higher after Ghana’s 2023 AFCON performance.
Prior to the AFCON, Ghana was positioned 61st in the world and 11th in Africa, according to the September 2023 rankings.
However, the Black Stars’ failure to advance beyond the group stage at the AFCON, with two draws and one loss, impacted their standing.
The recent wins against Mali and the Central African Republic in June have helped the four-time African champions improve their position.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has slipped to fifth place in the African rankings after not securing any wins in their two matches in June.
Spokesperson for theGhana Football Association (GFA),Henry Asante Twum, has shed light on the altercation that occurred between players and officials from the Central African Republic following Ghana’s 4-3 victory on Monday, June 10, 2024.
Jordan Ayew, who scored a hat-trick, and Black Stars assistant coach Joseph Laumann were at the centre of the incident at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Henry Asante Twum revealed that the scuffle began when Jordan Ayew defended his teammates from verbal abuse by a player and the assistant coach of the Central African Republic.
The player made derogatory remarks in French, not realising that Jordan Ayew and several Black Stars players understood the language.
Infuriated by the comments, Jordan Ayew confronted the player.
Simultaneously, Laumann, who also speaks French, addressed the assistant coach of C.A.R. for his similar comments.
“The report I received is that after the match, one of the Central African Republic players and their assistant coach insulted the Black Stars players in French. They didn’t realize that Jordan was adept in French, so Jordan confronted him,” he said.
“Joseph Laumann is also fluent in French, so he confronted the assistant coach. The assistant coach of C.A.R was the first to attack our assistant coach, but we managed to calm the situation and ensure it didn’t escalate. They were trying to paint a picture of us robbing them, and even their coach abandoned the post-match press conference,” he added on Asempa FM.
Jordan Ayew netted his second hat-trick for the Black Stars, leading them to a 4-3 victory over the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium. Fatawu Issahaku added another goal for the Black Stars.
The Black Stars now hold second place in Group I, with nine points from four matches.
Ghanaian footballer Mohammed Kudusexpressed his displeasure with comments made by some compatriots on social media regarding his performance during the matches against Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR) on June 10, 2024.
Expected to shine on the field, Kudus faced challenges during both games, leading to criticism from some quarters of Ghanaian fans, who urged him to step up his game and avoid complacency.
In response, Kudus defended himself by urging fans to refrain from discussing his performance and to remain silent instead.
One of the criticisms was, “You people should tell Kudus the truth. He’s not Messi, nor is he Ronaldo. He should stop doing too much and release the ball quickly.”
The West Ham United star replied, “Masa, be quiet!!!!!”
Kudus and fans clash
Another tweet went like this: “Mohammed Kudus needs to be talked to. What kind of selfishness and unnecessary ball control is that?”
Kudus replied, urging the critic, “Come and talk to me yourself.”
Kudus played a role as Ghana secured a 4-3 victory against the Central African Republic in their fourth match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Jordan Ayew’s hat-trick and a goal from Fatawu Issahaku sealed the 4-3 win for Ghana against the Central African Republic, who also saw their star forward, Mafouta, score a hat-trick.
Sitting atop Group I with nine points from four games, the Black Stars lead the standings, although the outcomes of the matches between Madagascar versus Mali and Chad versus Comoros could alter the group rankings.
Ghana’s second consecutive victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers ignited a frenzy at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
Jordan Ayew’s stunning hat-trick led Ghana to a thrilling 4-3 win over the Central African Republic on Matchday 4, propelling the Black Stars to the top of Group I with 9 points and solidifying their position as a strong contender in the qualifiers.
After the game, Ghanaian fans erupted in chants of “USA,” reflecting the excitement for the upcoming tournament.
With FIFA announcing that the 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, there is a buzz among Ghanaians about the possibility of traveling to the US to support the national team.
Many are gearing up to visit the US embassy to secure visas, eager to cheer for Ghana if they play in the United States.
Ayew’s heroics propelled the Black Stars to the top of Group I with 9 points, establishing them as a formidable team in the qualifiers.
The game started with Ayew converting a penalty in the 6th minute, setting the stage for an intense encounter. However, Louis Mafouta’s two goals in the 11th and 41st minutes put Ghana behind 2-1 at halftime.
In the second half, Ghana regrouped and dominated, with Ayew’s powerful header in the 60th minute equalizing the score. Abdul Fatawu Issahaku’s well-executed goal in the 63rd minute gave Ghana the lead, and Ayew completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute to secure the win.
Despite a late consolation goal from Louis Moufata in the 90th minute, Ghana maintained their composure to clinch a thrilling victory. The win puts them in a strong position for the next round of qualifiers in March 2025.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has paid a visit to the Ghanaian national football team, the Black Stars, to convey his best wishes for their upcoming World Cup qualifier against the Central African Republic (CAR).
The Black Stars, under the guidance of head coach Otto Addo, are preparing for a challenging encounter against CAR in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The match is scheduled to take place at the Baba Yara Stadium on Monday, with kickoff set for 19:00 GMT.
Coach Otto Addo has emphasized the importance of the upcoming game, especially after their impressive come-from-behind victory against Mali in Bamako during the third round of matches.
Despite this recent success, Addo acknowledges the tough challenge that CAR poses and is preparing his team accordingly.
“It’s going to be very difficult. For everyone who thinks we can just play them, I don’t think it will happen,” said the former Borussia Dortmund coach.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia visits the Black Stars to wish them success ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Central African Republic.#UTVGhanapic.twitter.com/UCFa6TCmXN
Importers of used cars in Ghana are facing a significant financial challenge due to the government’s policy of imposing import duties in US dollars.
The president of the Automobile Dealers Union, Eric Boateng, highlighted the impact of this policy on the car import business.
During an interview with Bernard Avle on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, May 15, Mr. Boateng explained that while the prices of certain cars remain stable on the international market, the imposition of duties at the port, particularly in dollars, greatly affects the car business in the country.
“Even the COVID… they said there is no more COVID but we are paying COVID levy, COVID transfer levy, network charges, and a lot of import duties we are paying currently. Our currency is in Cedis but if you import the car from maybe Canada, Korea or Dubai, the government of Ghana will convert the duties into dollars for you to pay.
“… So, if you buy a car from the USA for about $1000 and you bring it to the port, you will end up paying five times that in dollars,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the practice of levying import duties in dollars contradicts the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Act of the Bank of Ghana, Act 2006 (Act 723), which prohibits unauthorized foreign currency dealings by the public.
Currently, a dollar is selling at GH¢14.90 on the forex market, significantly higher than the GH¢10.97 it was sold for during the same period in May 2023.
Bloomberg reports that the depreciation of the Cedi is worsened by a decrease in cocoa earnings, with exports declining by about $500 million in January and February 2024 due to adverse weather conditions and the swollen shoot disease.
The Bloomberg report also indicates that the current depreciation reflects a record-breaking weakening cycle for the Cedi, leading analysts to predict further challenges for the currency due to increased risks associated with election-year financing and stalled debt deals.
However, Fitch forecasts that the Cedi will end 2024 at GH¢12.25 to a dollar.
The ownership of a vehicle is increasingly becoming financially burdensome, even for those considered affluent in the city, with some owners of luxury cars resorting to leaving their once-valued assets at mechanic workshops.
Escalating insurance premiums, along with the mounting costs of fuel and maintenance, are forcing car owners to relinquish their vehicles.
Vehicles have become very important means of transport and a key component for running the country’s economy.
However, these days, owning even the smallest of vehicles is considered luxury or a social signifier of an aspiring middle-class household.
The prices of vehicles have reached eye-popping levels, yet even more costly have spare parts and maintenance become.
As such, the title ‘car owner’ is becoming a privilege for a few.
Toyota Landcruiser V8 left at the mercy of the weather
Prices of some cars
A newly-imported 2010 Toyota Yaris, a dependable compact car with good fuel economy but by no means a luxury car, sells for GH¢93,000.
A G-Wagon parked at a mechanic workshop.
A newly-imported 2008 Toyota Corolla sells for GH¢85,000. A 2013 Honda Fit sells for GH¢135,000.
A G-Wagon gathering dust at a roadside mechanic workshop.
It’s no wonder the price of Ghana-used cars have shot up as people hold on to their cars with care, knowing they will not be able to afford new ones.
Observation
In a striking trend, some owners of luxury cars are increasingly leaving their vehicles at mechanic workshops.
Some of these cars have been there for nearly two years.
Jaguar vehicles left at the mercy of the weather
“We are unable to trace a lot of the owners whose cars end up at our shops,” a mechanic, Isaac Adjei, told TV3 in an interview.
Models of Benz, Toyota and BMW have been left at the mercy of the weather and decorated with dust.
Abandoned luxury cars
The mechanics, who receive over ten faulty cars daily, are worried about the limited space to keep the piled-up cars.
According to Adjei, “we usually repair a lot of the cars by the roadside due to insufficient space.”
The cost of maintaining luxury vehicles in terms of routine servicing and parts replacements for brands like Jaguar have exploded.
Clifford Ansu is an official with the Vehicle and Assets Dealers Union of Ghana (VADUG). He observes that even the cost of parts replacements for ‘smaller’ cars have skyrocketed.
“The fact that I am driving a V8 doesn’t mean that you should increase the prices of the duty of V8 and the prices of its parts. Even these days the smaller cars that have small engines, their spare parts have also gone up.”
“Toyota Corolla 2016-2017 engine now is selling for 55,000-60,000 [cedis]. So, if you want to talk about V8 engine, then you are talking about a lot of money,” Ansu said.
Visit to Abossey-Okai
Abossey Okai is a town in the Ablekuma Central Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.
It hosts the largest automobile parts market of Ghana, with busy streets of traders.
In my off-record interactions with some owners of the luxury vehicles, they admitted the challenge they face in maintaining their cars.
Top of their worry was the rising cost of spare parts.
“Items I used to buy for 500 cedis have shot up to 600 cedis in less than 2 weeks,” a spare parts dealer, Kojo Acheampong noted.
Another dealer, Nana Atuobi, added that “these days I need the dollar equivalent of 150,000 cedis to import items that previously cost 38,000 cedis.”
Some wonder – whether owning a luxury vehicle means one is necessarily rich.
“If somebody is using V8 or any of those luxury cars, it is probably because of their safety. But don’t assume they are using such cars because they are rich so you want to increase taxes on the spare parts of such vehicles,” Clifford Ansu opined.
For spare parts dealer Acheampong, the message is simple: “Buy cars you can afford to maintain because we’d continue to increase cost of spare parts.”
On the other hand, there are some who are unable to drive their luxury vehicles due to wrong chassis or identification numbers, making the cars mere decorative items at home.
The safety, comfort or cozy rides these cars come with are in no doubt, but the explosion in maintenance and spare parts costs is depriving the owners of their once envied status in the neigbourhood.
A woman believed to be going through heartbreak nearly got assaulted by her ex-boyfriend for setting his car on fire.
In a video circulating on X platform, a female voice recounts how the 18-year-old lady evaded the attack thanks to the intervention of her ex’s landlord.
Per the narration, the lady left her home with a fire she set ablaze and placed it in the trunk of her ex’s vehicle.
Upon sighting this, the man is said to have launched an attack on his ex but was stopped by his landlord “who spoke some sense into him.”
The video shows how part of the Mazda black vehicle has been destroyed by the flames. The rear window was damaged beyond recognition.
The female voice in the video cautioned women against going after their exes when the relationship fails.
A landlord intervened to rescue a young girl from a potentially fatal beating by her boyfriend. This was after the young girl set the vehicle of her boyfriend on fire after an argument. pic.twitter.com/UDkmwdVFhc
A mentally challenged man in a shocking incident found himself in trouble after carrying out an unexpected act that left many startled.
The man first halted a private car in its tracks, standing directly in its path. Suddenly, he leaped onto the hood of the black car, startling the driver. He then removed one of the car’s wipers and began smashing the windshield.
Despite the driver’s calm attempts to reason with him, the man remained undeterred and even attempted to attack the driver. This alarming behavior prompted a group of men to intervene, swiftly bringing the man down to the ground.
Three of the men, visibly angered by the damage caused, began to beat the mentally challenged man. However, other individuals soon arrived at the scene and managed to prevent further beatings, ensuring that the situation did not escalate any further.
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, our cars often become makeshift storage units for various items. However, not everything is suitable for the conditions inside a vehicle. Here are seven things you should avoid leaving in your car:
Electronics: Extreme temperatures can damage the batteries and internal components of electronic devices like laptops, smartphones, and cameras. Avoid leaving them in your car to prevent potential damage.
Medication: High temperatures can alter the chemical composition of medications, reducing their effectiveness. It’s essential to store medications at room temperature as prescribed to maintain their potency.
Sunglasses: Despite being handy for sunny days, sunglasses can warp and suffer damage from heat, especially if they have plastic frames. Keep them with you or in a cooler spot to prevent damage.
Aerosol cans: Aerosol cans, such as deodorants and hairsprays, can pose a safety risk when exposed to high temperatures. The pressure inside the can may increase, leading to potential explosions. Avoid leaving them in your car to prevent accidents.
Plastic bottles: Heat can cause chemicals from plastic bottles to leach into the liquid inside, posing health risks. Take your water bottle with you instead of leaving it in the car to avoid potential exposure to harmful substances.
Food: Leaving food in your car can lead to spoilage and attract pests. Avoid leaving groceries or leftovers in your car, especially on hot days, to prevent food from going bad and attracting unwanted visitors.
Important documents: Avoid leaving crucial documents like passports or birth certificates in your car, as they can be damaged by heat and are also attractive to thieves. Keep them in a secure location to prevent loss or theft.
Remember, your car is meant for transportation, not long-term storage. By keeping these items out of your vehicle, you’ll avoid potential damage, accidents, and security risks. Keep your car clutter-free and maintain its condition by being mindful of what you leave inside.
Police have apprehended Kofi Donkor, a 27-year-old taxi driver, for allegedly striking a police officer, Constable Ernest Opare, who was on duty at Agona Swedru in the Central region.
The incident occurred at the Agona Swedru Chief Palace junction, where Constable Opare was directing traffic on the busy dual carriage road.
According to police sources, the driver, operating a vehicle with registration number GW 6086-22, was observed driving on the road’s shoulders.
The impatient and reportedly speeding driver allegedly ran over the police officer.
Constable Ernest Opare sustained severe injuries to his back and hands and was swiftly taken to the Agona Swedru Municipal Hospital for medical attention.
Currently, he is undergoing treatment for his injuries.
The taxi driver is now in police custody, cooperating with ongoing investigations into the incident.
The United Auto Workers (UAW) union is expanding its strike to include some of America’s largest automakers, extending a dispute over wages and benefits into a third week.
Union boss Shawn Fain said an additional 7,000 workers at Ford and General Motors plants would be laid off.
The latest action, not aimed at Stellantis, reflects the new dynamic in those negotiations, he said.
About 18,000 workers went on strike in a dispute that darkened the US economy.
US President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, who is running for re-election, both visited the Detroit area this week to address the issue, which comes amid rising labor tensions across country. The union has begun negotiations to achieve a pay increase of about 40% over four years and end practices that give new recruits lower wages and fewer benefits, among other demands.
Companies say union demands will harm their ability to invest long-term. They responded with a salary increase of about 20% and a few other concessions.
On the picket line in Michigan this week, many workers said they were prepared for a long struggle.
“People are fed up. “We want a middle class,” said Emily Yettaw, who worked at GM for 17 years. “They make billions of dollars in profits and we deserve better.” The union, which represents 146,000 workers at the three companies, has gradually increased pressure on the automakers to reach an agreement since the labor contract expired on September 14.
The latest action extends shutdowns for a Ford plant in Chicago that makes Explorers and a GM plant in Michigan that makes large crossover SUVs like the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave.
The alliance’s previous targets included 38 parts distribution facilities for dealers and three factories – one at each company.
Although limited, the standoff caused an estimated $1.6 billion (£1.3 billion) in economic losses in its first week, including losses of more than $100 million (£81 million) UK) in terms of income and wages – a cost that weighs heavily on the local economy. Jennifer Romero is the owner of Karma Coffee & Kitchen in Wayne, Michigan. His store, with leaflets advertising support for the strike, was located just down the street from a closed Ford plant. Jennifer said sales at her store have slowed significantly.
“Our neighborhood is predominantly blue-collar,” she said. “If they don’t work, they don’t spend money and if they don’t spend money, we don’t make money.”
For automakers, which face high investment costs and fierce competition as the industry ramps up production of electric cars, the timing of the conflict “couldn’t be worse,” said Dan Ives, Wall Street analyst, Wedbush Securities.
“The trajectory of the UAW incident was akin to witnessing a slow-moving automobile accident occurring on black ice,” he wrote in a memo Friday.
“This is a decisive moment for Detroit and the future of the auto industry, as we firmly believe that if GM, Ford and Stellantis agree to anything close to the proposed deal, the future looks bleak. protein for the US auto industry.”
Now, workers on the picket lines in the Detroit area this week say they remain committed to the fight, even though many will lose income by only receiving $500 (£410) in strike pay each month. week.
“It’s time for ramen and macaroni and cheese,” the GM employee in Ypsilanti joked. “No more red lobsters.”
“I don’t think anyone is scared here,” added Kemi Hooker, 53, who has worked for GM for 24 years. “We will do what is necessary.”
A car that had been stolen from a driveway in Toronto, Canada, has been located parked in Ghana, an astounding distance of approximately 8,500 kilometers from where it was originally taken.
This remarkable discovery unfolded during an investigation led by David Common, a journalist from CBC News, focusing on stolen vehicles in Canada. During the course of his inquiry, Common came across the car and found the original owner’s contact information, which led to the breakthrough.
Len Green, the car’s rightful owner, had experienced the theft of his vehicle in 2022 and had no knowledge of its whereabouts until receiving an unexpected call from Ghana, initiated by the CBC journalist.
During the phone call, Common informed Green, “I’m calling from CBC News. We’re doing an investigation into stolen vehicles, and I’m pretty sure I’m sitting in your vehicle in West Africa.”
Green was understandably shocked to learn that his stolen car had ended up so far from its original location, exclaiming “I can’t believe it … that’s crazy.”
The astonishing revelation was documented in a video shared on TikTok by CBC.
A car which was stolen from a driveway in Toronto in less than 5 minutes has been tracked and located in Ghana.
The owner of the car, Len Green reveals that his car got stolen about a year ago. Other stolen vehicles with Canadian number plates were discovered too and some even… pic.twitter.com/lFpybpBi8Q
Within the same location, a group of journalists came across numerous other vehicles, many of which displayed Canadian license plates. Surprisingly, these vehicles still contained their provincial registration and insurance documents within the glove box.
All of these vehicles had been reported stolen from Ontario and Quebec. A recent report by the Canadian Financing and Leasing Association indicated that in 2021, over 27,000 vehicles were stolen in Ontario alone, equating to a car being stolen approximately every 17 minutes.
In a video posted by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mohammed Kudus has urged fans in Kumasi to gather at the stadium and show their support for the national team in their match against the Central African Republic.
“Kumasi fans this is Mohammed Kudus, I’m back in Kumasi on Thursday, come in your numbers to support us,” Mohammed Kudus said.
Mohammed Kudus checked in at the national team’s camp today in preparation for Ghana’s upcoming showdown with the Central African Republic.
The attacking midfielder, who currently plays for West Ham United, is among the 25 players chosen by Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton for the final round of qualifiers leading up to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
🗣️ Kudus Mohammed: “Come in your numbers to support us”
The Black Stars have initiated their preparations for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Central African Republic.
In the first training session held at the Accra Sports Stadium, twelve players were present.
The coaching staff, under the leadership of Chris Hughton, oversaw a very light session. Assistant coaches Didi Dramani and George Boateng supervised some ball work during the session.
Goalkeeper coach Richard Kingston conducted specific drills with Lawrence Ati Zigi. Additionally, during the session, Ati-Zigi engaged in ball work exercises with a group of players.
Chris Hughton’s team currently tops Group E with nine points, holding a one-point lead over Angola and a two-point advantage over the Central African Republic. Madagascar occupies the bottom spot in the group with two points.
To secure qualification for the tournament taking place in Ivory Coast in January, the Black Stars require just one point from the upcoming match.
The Black Stars Vice Captain, Thomas Partey, will miss out on Chris Hughton’s 25-man squad for the upcoming final AFCON Qualifier against the Central African Republic on September 7 due to injury.
Similarly, Southampton forward Kamaldeen Sulemana will also not be included in Hughton’s selection for this crucial AFCON Qualifier.
However, there is positive news as PAOK defender Baba Rahman, Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori, and Auxerre midfielder Elisha Owusu have all made their way back into the squad after recovering from their respective injuries.
One notable inclusion is Medeama SC striker Jonathan Sowah, who is set to make his national team debut. Sowah, who joined Medeama during the second transfer window, made an impressive contribution with 12 goals that helped secure their League title victory.
In other developments, Black Stars Captain Andre Ayew, who is currently without a club, retains his place in the squad, as does his brother, Jordan Ayew.
The much-anticipated match between Ghana and the Central African Republic is scheduled to be held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Thursday, September 7.
Additionally, the Black Stars will host Liberia in an International Friendly at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, with the game set to kick off at 3 pm Ghana time.
A Bolt ride-hailing driver has reportedly been assaulted by a military personnel after a dispute stemming from a traffic incident.
The driver, associated with the Bolt platform, had a confrontation with a man dressed in military clothing due to what he perceived as reckless driving.
The incident occurred in Accra and resulted in a physical altercation.
The military personnel allegedly stabbed the driver’s head and physically assaulted him after the driver expressed concern about the soldier’s alleged reckless driving.
The driver suffered significant blood loss and had to be resuscitated by medical professionals at Deseret Hospital in Santa Maria, Accra.
A passenger in the car, Michelle Frimpong, recounted the incident, explaining that the dispute arose from a wrongful overtaking by another vehicle.
The Bolt driver extended his hand to touch the other vehicle, prompting the altercation.
The individual in military attire reportedly forced the driver out of the car and physically attacked him. The driver was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment and is currently admitted.
This incident highlights the challenges and dangers that some ride-hailing drivers can face while performing their duties.
In recent months, there has been widespread outcry among Ghanaians regarding the exorbitant costs associated with clearing goods at the ports. Numerous social media posts have surfaced, with users sharing the staggering amounts they have been compelled to pay, particularly when it comes to clearing vehicles.
In one post made in April, a user revealed the staggering number of 21 taxes they had to pay at the ports in order to clear their goods.
These taxes include Import Duty, Import VAT, Processing Fee, ECOWAS levy, Network Charge, Network Charge VAT, Network Charge COVID-19 Health, Ghana Shippers Authority SNF fee, Import NHIL, Network Charge NHIL, IRS Tax deposit, GHS disinfection fee, MoTIe e-IDF fee, Special Import Levy, Ghana Export-Import bank (EXIM), and many others.
Similarly, another social media user shared a video expressing their dismay after inquiring about the cost to clear a car they had purchased abroad for $2,000. To their astonishment, they were informed that they would have to pay a whopping $4,800 to clear the vehicle at the Tema Harbour. This significant disparity in cost has raised widespread concern and frustration among the public.
He said: “I bought a Ford Fiesta for $2000 and then I contacted an agent and asked how much it would cost for it to be shipped to Ghana and he said $1000. And then I contacted another agent at Tema Harbour to check how much it will cost to clear it from the ports. He said it would cost $4800.”
This has sparked several reactions on social media over the outrageous nature of the taxes being demanded at the ports.
GhanaWeb Business sources have revealed that in an attempt to dodge these taxes, traders are seeking other means of importing items into the country.
Ghanaian businessman,Ibrahim Mahama loves the finest things in life which includes luxury cars and jet skis, private jets, the list never ends.
It seems that Mr Mahama who randomly pops up on social media lives by the mantra: “If you’ve got it, you flaunt it”.
In a video published on the official Twitter account of Dzata Cement, Ibrahim Mahama is captured displaying some of his finest collection of cars.
“The Man, The Myth, The Legend. Happy birthday in advance,” read the caption of the video in anticipation of his birthday on January 29, 2023.
The business mogul in his leisure time, takes a break from the stress to fly jets, cruise in his sports cars or takes a trip out of town to admire nature.
The latest video that chronicled his luxury lifestyle put on display his fleet of cars including the Porsche 911 Turbo S which won a car race competition held during the festive season last year.
A spokesperson for the presidency in the Central African Republic has denied that President Faustin-Archange Touadéra was evacuated to Rwanda on Sunday for medical treatment after “a serious fall”.
CAR and international media widely circulated the news after a pro-opposition website claimed Mr Touadéra was injured in a “serious fall” in the capital, Bangui, and flown to Rwanda.
The presidency’s spokesman, Albert Yaloke Mokpem, expressed “astonishment” at the claim, and said the president was at work in Bangui.
“The president has just arrived in his office. The information that Corbeau News put online is false and only concerns itself. We are astonished by such information,” he said.
Privately owned station Radio Ndeke Luka said that its reporters saw the president in Bangui on 14 November, a day after he was reportedly evacuated to Rwanda.
It’s hard to know who to trust when it comes to a professional mechanic, especially if you don’t know much about cars. You’re often left wondering if you needed all those repairs the mechanic insisted on. That’s why it’s a good idea to start searching for a reliable car mechanic before you require anything done on your vehicle. You don’t usually have the time or luxury to make a calculated decision when your vehicle breaks down. The following article will provide helpful tips on finding a good mechanic, one you can entirely depend on.
Online Reviews
Please do your due diligence when it comes to researching online. Reviews by other people can help you make an informed decision. The best place to start your investigation into a reliable mechanic is at a search engine like Google. Remember, the first result may not be superior; it might be popular at that moment.
You will need to wade through good and bad reviews. Don’t be alarmed by less-than-stellar ones; you should avoid that mechanic and their shop if the negative reviews outweigh the positive ones. You can check out places like social media platforms, Better Business Bureau, and other review websites like Yelp if you still need more online opinions.
Word of Mouth
If you want an opinion on local mechanics, asking family members, co-workers, and friends for input can be beneficial. With any prosperous enterprise, mechanics rely on happy customers for repeat business. People in your life can give you recommendations based on their experience and at a place close to where you live (which is convenient). An outstanding reputation takes time. A new mechanic in the area doesn’t always have a strong presence yet, but it doesn’t mean they provide lousy service. Based on other criteria, it would be up to you if you wanted to try them out.
Have a Conversation with the Mechanic
Auto mechanics who genuinely care won’t mind taking the time to speak to you about your questions and concerns. You are a potential new customer; they will want your business, so make the trip out or place a simple phone call to alleviate your qualms. If you don’t get a good feeling about the shop or mechanic, that they don’t have the time for you, go elsewhere with your car. You want someone you can form a trust bond with over the long run.
It would be best if you started by asking them about their qualifications. Many mechanics aren’t always required to be licensed (depending on location). Still, it’s compulsory to (at least) have work experience, an apprenticeship, pass an examination, or have some education for the job. Make sure that they’re capable of working on your car. Some mechanics only deal with typical vehicles. A car with a European motor or a diesel one requires different parts and attention than the average car. If a mechanic deals with specialty vehicles regularly, they will have special knowledge, equipment, and credentials.
Pricing and Estimates
Verify the pricing for repairs and maintenance of your car with the mechanic you are interested in. They should be on par with other auto shops and mechanics. If they are overcharging, that doesn’t mean they will give you superior service. They are charging you outrageous prices, so you need to walk away. The same goes if their prices are too good to be true. It’s suspicious for a garage to have meager prices compared to other repair shops.
As a customer, it’s your prerogative to get an estimate of the repair or services involved in your vehicle before the mechanic moves ahead to work on it. You don’t have to accept the assessment. It’s a great idea to look up your rights regarding mechanics online. The more knowledge you have, the better equipped you will be to handle yourself. Getting the mechanic to give you an estimate also allows you to see how they work. Are they being truthful, communicating well, and being forthcoming? Are you getting along with the mechanic and staff? If dealing with this produces any “red flags,” you can reject the offer and move forward with a different shop or mechanic that is adequate for your wants and needs.
Exceptional Customer Service
Some auto shops might not be fancy or have a receptionist, but good customer service is more than that. A mechanic thrives on customer loyalty. They want their clients to trust them with their vehicles and come back again and again for maintenance and repairs. An impersonal mechanic and dealing with you like you are just something to check off on his list of things to do, doesn’t make you feel very appreciated. Yes, they provide an essential service, but you want to feel good about what you pay for.
In an overcrowded industry like automotive repair, you need to stick out from the masses. Some mechanics provide convenient early morning and late evening options for their clients because they have installed night key drop-off boxes outside their auto repair shop. They are secure, locking steel boxes where customers can drop off their car keys in an envelope before or after business hours. This service helps customers who work standard business hours and cannot drop off their car during that time. Night drop boxes and envelopes can be purchased from MBR Marketing at: https://mbrmarketing.com/service-department/night-drop-boxes-and-envelopes.
In the End
The final words of advice would be to trust your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right about a mechanic or their shop, you aren’t forced to drop your car off there. A great business knows that providing fantastic customer service makes clients feel respected and valued. Not only will you trust your vehicle with your mechanic, but you’re also apt to recommend their business to others.
New car registrations for March saw a steeper fall than during the financial crisis, according to the motor industry.
Data from the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show a drop of 44.4% compared with last year.
March is usually one of the strongest months of the year for the car industry.
But the Covid-19 outbreak has taken a heavy toll, forcing potential customers to stay at home for the past fortnight.
New number plate registrations are released in March and September every year.
But last month new registrations dropped by about 200,000 compared with the same period last year.
They fell to the lowest level in March for more than two decades.
The crisis has come at a difficult time for the motor industry, which was already suffering with falling sales and a collapse in demand for diesel vehicles, while struggling to meet tough new emissions targets.
The coronavirus outbreak has also halted car production.
All of the UK’s major car factories suspended work last month, and it is not yet clear when they will reopen.
In total, 254,684 new cars were registered in March according to the SMMT, a fall of 203,370 compared with March 2019.
Demand from private buyers and larger fleets fell by 40.4% and 47.4% respectively.
At the same time, the numbers of petrol and diesel cars reaching the country’s roads were down 49.9% and 61.9% respectively.
However, registrations of battery electric vehicles rose almost threefold to 11,694 units, accounting for 4.6% of the market, while plug-in hybrids grew by 38%. Hybrid electric vehicles fell 7.1%.
The SMMT said it now expected car sales of 1.73 million in 2020, 25% lower than last year.
‘Stark realisation’
Larger falls in new car registrations have been reported in other European countries, with Italy down -85%, France -72% and Spain down -69% in March, the SMMT said.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said, “With the country locked down in crisis mode for a large part of March, this decline will come as no surprise.
“Despite this being the lowest March since we moved to the bi-annual plate change system, it could have been worse, had the significant advanced orders placed for the new 20 plate not been delivered in the early part of the month.
“We should not, however, draw long-term conclusions from these figures, other than this being a stark realisation of what happens when economies grind to a halt.”
Mr Hawes added that it was uncertain how long the market would remain stalled, but it would reopen and the products would be there.
Car firms are answering calls from governments to help make more ventilators and face masks to help out during the coronavirus pandemic.
On Monday, Fiat began converting one of its car plants in China to start making about one million masks a month.
The carmaker wants to start production in the coming weeks, wrote its chief executive Mike Manley in an email.
Other major car firms are looking at ways they can shift manufacturing towards ventilators.
General Motors, Ford and Tesla in the US have all pledged their support to offer resources to make more ventilators, along with Japanese carmaker Nissan and Formula 1 teams in the UK.
Major car plants in the US, Europe and Asia have halted production to try to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. But they are still pledging to help make ventilators and other vital medical equipment.
US President Donald Trump tweeted on Sunday: “Ford, General Motors and Tesla are being given the go-ahead to make ventilators and other metal products, FAST! Go for it auto execs, let’s see how good you are?”
It came after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it had reduced barriers in the medical device approval process to help speed up the production of ventilators.
“Medical device makers can more easily make changes to existing products, such as changes to suppliers or materials, to help address current manufacturing limitations or supply shortages,” US Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said in a statement.
“Other manufacturers, such as auto makers, can more easily repurpose production lines to help increase supply.”
However, some experts have warned that carmakers may not find it easy to switch production.
Jens Hallek, head of a ventilator manufacturer Hamilton Medical, told Wired the materials and the components needed to build a ventilator “highly specific” and require “specialized know-how”.
“These are extremely sensitive machines with not only a lot of hardware but also a lot of software. If one of the components does not work correctly, the whole machine shuts down and cannot be used anymore,” he said.
Former US Defense Department officials told the Washington Post that it could take more than a year for carmakers or aerospace factories to start making ventilators.
Meanwhile, Tesla boss Elon Musk said he had bought 1,255 ventilators from China and had them shipped to Los Angeles.
‘Fully focused’
Last week, Formula 1 teams in the UK said they hoped to find “a tangible outcome in the next few days” to help increase the supply of medical equipment. Working with the government and health authorities, F1 said it had experts in design, technology and production capabilities who could help out.
Nissan is part of a consortium, including sports car firm McLaren and aerospace company Meggitt, looking to develop a new medical ventilator. “We are fully focused on the project,” McLaren said in a statement, but warned of the “limited time and scale of the challenge”.
Indian billionaire Anand Mahindra said his company, The Mahindra Group, would begin work immediately to explore how its factories could make ventilators. The conglomerate is the world’s largest tractor maker and India’s biggest electric vehicle manufacturer, according its website.
The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested one out of two suspected armed robbers who allegedly snatched a taxi cab from its owner at Agbogbloshie in the wee hours of yesterday.
The arrested armed robber identified by the police as Kwame Eric in a company with one Fuseini, an accomplice currently at large, snatched the vehicle from the owner and crashed it into a concrete pillar in an attempt to escape when the police arrived at the scene.
According to the police, Eric who was driving at the time of arrest lost control of the steering and crashed the vehicle into the concrete block leading to his arrest but his accomplice managed to escape.
The suspect is now being interrogated by investigators at the regional command.
Narrating the incident to DAILY GUIDE, the Accra Regional Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Effia Tenge, said around 4:30am yesterday, a police patrol team on their routine patrol duties within Kaneshie and Agbogloshie areas responded to a distress call by a taxi driver whose Daewoo matiz taxi had been snatched from him by the suspects.
She said the victim told the police that suspects hired his services from Odorkor area to Agbogbloshie and upon reaching the onion market area—they snatched the taxi with registration number GW 8454-18 from him.
“The victim told us that a motor rider who witnessed the act pursued the suspects as they drove towards arena area until the police were called in for assistance.â€
DSP Tenge maintained that upon realizing that they were being followed by the police, the suspect lost control of the steering and crashed the vehicle into a concrete object along the Agbogbloshie arena road.
“Suspect, Eric, who was then driving the vehicle, was grabbed but his accomplice managed to escape.â€
She added that the suspect together with the vehicle and victim were later brought to the regional command to give their statements.
Member of Parliament for Central Tongu, Alexander Hottordze has warned government of its imminent decision to ban the importation of over-aged and salvaged vehicles in the country.
According to the MP, this action by government can result in an increase in crime rate in Ghana.
The Majority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu disclosed government’s decision to ban over-aged vehicles in an Accra based radio station, Okay FM last month.
According to him, the decision to ban the importation of over-aged and salvaged cars into the country is to create the enabling environment and market for the many automobile companies about to establish outlets in Ghana. Not only that, but he also said they are the reasons why we have so many accidents on our roads.
With that government has initiated processes in Parliament to ban the importation of overaged and accident vehicles.
The Customs amendments bill currently in Parliament when passed will regulate importation of vehicles.
However, the Minority in Parliament has called for the withdrawal of the bill because of its financial implications and the loss of jobs associated with its implementation.
In response to government’s decision, Member of Parliament for Central Tongu, Alexander R Hottordze on Starr FM today, indicated that the bill if passed will create job losses and subsequently result in increase in crime rate in the country
“When they are talking about salvaged vehicles, I mean those vehicles which were involved in accident and maybe something was done on them and sold out. Then also, second-hand vehicles that are beyond 10 years are the over-aged ones, in Ghana today most of the vehicles we ride are salvaged ones. And we can see that this has engaged a lot of our youth in the industry. If we should pass a law to move them out where are we sending them?.”
He further indicated that: Look at the crime rate already in the country and we are going to take people out of jobs like we did to the banks? Look at what is happening now, a lot of people died and the crime rate is increasing day in and day out. If the youth are told to go home today, who feeds them and those who depend on them?.”
However, the Automobile Dealers Union Ghana (ADUG), had called on government to hold broader consultations with all stakeholders in the automobile industry, regarding the intended regulation and a possible ban on the importation of some category of second-hand and salvaged vehicles.
Currently, overaged vehicles are allowed into the country after payment of penalty.
The Receiver of the 347 Micro-finance companies and 23 Savings and Loans and Finance houses, that faced insolvency last year, began successful auctions of vehicles recovered from some of the insolvent entities, in compliance to its core mandate.
The auction which is ongoing at the premises of the College of Physicians and Surgeons hall in Accra, began on Monday 3rd February and attracted a huge number of patrons, looking to outbid each other.
The spokesperson for the receiver confirmed that the numbers exceeded expectations but the receiver was adequately prepared to carry out the exercise in as professional a manner as possible.
The spokesperson further described as false, reports that were circulating about the exercise that sought to suggest that the results of the auction would have little or no impact on payments to customers.
“We have been paying depositors with validated and accepted claims for sometime now. We began paying depositors of the Micro-finance companies in June 2019 and Savings and Loans in August 2019 â€, Philomena Kuzoe clarified.
