The entertainment industry is characterized by glitz, glamour and splendour.
Cars in Ghana and the world at large represent a form of wealth or success hence some celebrities and socialites conduct their business in and around the city in their luxury automobiles.
Some including dancehall artiste Shatta Wale, can sometimes be spotted with their entourage all riding exotic cars that cost an arm and a leg to just to show the world they have it.
From the movie stars to the musicians and socialites, the acquisition and flaunting of expensive vehicles has become a common trend that threatens to grow or perhaps slow down with the arrival of this new levy.
The Mid-Year Budget review read on July 19, 2018 by the Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, announced a tax on the importation of luxury vehicles with engine capacities of 3.0 liters and above.
Although the percentage to be taxed is yet to be confirmed, individuals who belong to the tax bracket that can afford these vehicles will not be enthused.
Let’s take a look at the celebs who are most likely to be hit by this levy.
Stonebwoy
CEO of Burniton Music Group and BET award nominee Stonebwoy can boast of 3 Luxury cars, namely the 2016 Range Rover vogue, 2016 E class Mercedes and a 2014 Porsche cayenne.
The reggae and dancehall artiste cruises the streets of Ghana with his luxury cars with engine capacities well over the 3.0 threshold.
Jackie Appiah
Screen goddess Jackie Appiah has dominated the acting industry for over 14 years.
One other thing is certain, she loves her fast cars and can be seen in a number of hot spots in the capital everyone now, and then pulling up in an “exotic.”
The actress drives a Range Rover, A Maserati, a Mercedes Benz V8 sedan as well as a G-Wagon.
D-Black
The CEO of black Avenue Music and the plush club Onyx, Desmond Blackmore, aka D-Black, has amassed his wealth not only through music but entrepreneurship. D black was one of the first Ghanaian artistes to be nominated for the BET award back in 2011.
The BET platform solidified his status in the Ghana music industry and also as one of the top moguls around.
These days the 31-year old takes pride in riding around own in his toys which include a Range Rover sports and a recently acquired Mercedes Benz S 500.
Well, according to D-Black “He cuts his cloth according to his cloth” so if prices of luxury cars go up due to the increase in duty and he can afford it, then he will keep the standard. But if prices rocket out of his range, staying in his original lane will be the plan.
Shatta Wale
Controversial Dancehall King Shatta Wale lives for the glitz and glam. The star claims to be one of the richest artistes in Ghana, and he has the perfect collection of wheels to back that claim.
The powerhouse can boast of a Maserati, Range Rover sports, G Wagon and Mercedes Benz as well as a BMW M Series.
The life of the rich and famous comes with a lot backlash and attention, and there is also the pressure to showcase your success.
With the new impending luxury levy, will the rich and famous be able to keep changing their luxury cars?
As the government sets out to implement this policy, we keep our eyes on which of our celebrities will be hit by the tax.
