Shops close to protest gov’t policies

Traders at Abbosey Okai in Accra closed their shops on Tuesday to protest against what they term bad government policies that are affecting their businesses.

The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) called the closure of shops for four days to demand government’s immediate action on the difficulties of members, including foreigners in retail trade. Mr. Atta Annin, a spare-parts dealer, told GNA that the government had imposed taxes on their goods, making it difficult for them to operate.

He said the government had ignored the traders’ grievances and this has led to the four -day closure of their shops to demonstrate how the issue is affecting their business.

Mr. Kofi Ampadu, an electrical dealer, said GUTA informed traders on the directive with regard to the closure of shops a month ago.

He complained that foreigners, specifically Chinese and Lebanese, had taken over their businesses -- most of whom do not have work permits, adding that “they involve themselves in retail trading”.

Mr. Ampadu said traders will lose income through the directive; however, there is a need to embark on the exercise.

Madam Gloria Sarfo, a dealer in used clothing, said depreciation of the cedi is among the factors affecting her business.

She therefore appealed to government to review its policies in favour of traders who import goods and products into the country.

Mr. Joseph Padi, Public Relation Officer of GUTA, said the Association is protesting not against the government but its policies.

He said the activities of some foreigners have collapsed Ghanaian businesses and there is a need to address it.

Mr. Padi said foreigners who have licences to do retail trading are acting contrary to the GIPC law, adding that foreigners have the licence to manufacture.

He said traders will lose money because of the strike, adding that “it is better to lose today and gain tomorrow”.