The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) says the vehicle importation tax waiver, promised to medical doctors and dentists as part of the Conditions of Service agreement signed in March 2024, has encountered significant delays following the change in government.

According to a statement issued by the association on February 19, originally, the implementation begun in July 2024, and was designed to assist medical professionals in securing vehicles to facilitate their daily commute and ensure a swift response to emergencies.

It says a number of applications remain pending approval from the Ministry of Finance, with some vehicles already stuck at the port.

Read also: Government will engage GMA on waivers for vehicle importation – Ofori-Atta

These vehicles are now accumulating daily charges, and there is growing concern that they may face confiscation or auction if the situation is not resolved soon.

In response to this challenge, the executives of the medical association have been actively engaging various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance, to resolve the delays and resume the implementation of the waiver.

The association is thus urging members to remain calm and exercise restraint while the issue is being addressed.

"The change in government has resulted in a halt in processing of the waivers with some applications pending final approval by the Ministry of Finance," the statement read.

The GMA urged its members who have already submitted applications to consider clearing their vehicles from the port to prevent further charges, particularly those with the financial means to do so.

For members still planning to import vehicles under the waiver, the association advises them to temporarily hold off until the situation is resolved.

The National Executive Council (NEC) reassured members that they are dedicated to ensuring the vehicle importation tax waiver, a vital component of the Conditions of Service agreement, is fully reinstated at the earliest opportunity.