Your Concerns Are Legitimate; Consider Reopening Shops – Trade Ministry Appeals To GUTA

The Ministry of the Trade and Industry wants protesting members of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) to also consider going back to business as the government finds a workable solution to the existing challenges affecting their operations. GUTA members are currently embarking on a six-day protest closing their

shops to kick against, the free-fall of the cedi, the high inflation and unbearable taxes. The disgruntled traders are demanding urgent actions from the government arguing that the harsh economic conditions are crippling business activities. Deputy Trade and Industry Minister, Michael Okyere Baafi said, although the concerns of the

traders are legitimate, the closure of shops is an inconveniencing one but hurriedly added that government is determined to fix the situation. For us as government, we are still committed to engaging so GUTA opens their shops and go about their normal duties. There is no need to create problems for the system, but

rather tackling things together to benefit everyone. On Wednesday, business slowed down in the Central Business District of Accra as members of GUTA began protesting over Ghana’s forex challenges and general economic hardship. While most of the traders joined the protest by locking their shops, a significant number of

traders, however, opened their shops for trade. But Michael Okyere Baafi appealed to the traders to resume work while negotiations continue. “We have had meetings pleading with GUTA. Their concerns are legitimate, and we have rolled out plans to tackle the issues they have raised. Clearly, the government has

shown commitment. Our position is not to defend government, but rather plead with them for further engagements till we get a compromise that will benefit all of us. So we are pleading with GUTA to go back to work because we are determined to engage them to end their action. The leadership of the GUTA had met with members of the Council of State in the latter’s attempt to urge the traders to stop the protest.