Stop seizure of pirated textiles - Gov’t tells taskforce

The work of the Anti-Piracy Taskforce established by the Ministry of Trade and Industry to clamp down on the activities of traders who deal in pirated textiles has been suspended.

This was made known by Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry when he met textile traders at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Resurrection Congregation Church hall in Accra.

He said the suspension of the activities of the anti-piracy taskforce was to enable the Ministry engage in extensive discussion with all stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the problem.

However, Hon. Vanderpuye stated that the “Ministry will not want anyone to take this as an opportunity to continue to bring to the market pirated textiles.” He said the Ministry would continue to monitor the activities of traders to prevent the importation of new pirated textiles.

Hon Vanderpuye stated that the Ministry’s intention to protect the textile industry in Ghana and businesses was non-negotiable.

Last week, the Taskforce, made up of personnel from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the police service stormed the Makola Market in Accra and seized about 1,035 pieces of pirated and fake wax prints from traders.

Some of the traders were arrested after a scuffle ensued. The traders complained to BUSINESS GUIDE about the brutalities by personnel of the taskforce.

Hon. Vanderpuye told the traders in the meeting that they do not want to harass anybody doing legitimate business. The traders, who were satisfied with the new directives, commended government for intervening at the right time.