GUTA LOCKS UP 38 RETAIL SHOPS BELONGING TO FOREIGNERS

The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) in the Eastern region has carried out enforcement exercise to close down over 38 mobile Phones retail shops belonging to foreigners in Koforidua.

The Eastern Regional Vice Chairman of GUTA, Samuel Aikins who spoke to Afeema News on Wednesday said, their action stems from government’s failure to fully enforce the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre’s Act (Act 865) section 27 which bars foreigners from operating in the country’s retail space.

Mr. Aikins in an interview with Kaakyire Kwasi Afari of Afeema FM, he said, the failure by authorities to enforce compliance of the G I P C law is now having numerous adverse effects on the Ghanian economy, emphasizing high inflation, rapid depreciation of the Cedi, collapsing the manufacturing sector, high cost of shops crumbling down the export sector, among others.

He mentioned that the association members will persistantly undertake similar exercise including foreigners who engaged in table top business until the canker is flashed out from the regional capital.

Thus, the vice chairman has warn all foreigners in retail trade in Koforidua to leave the markets before Christmas festivities.

The Eastern regional branch has threatened to take destiny into their hands to flush out all foreigners in retail trade in the market; if they do not leave the market places by the stipulated time frame.

He stressed that, the foreigners has no consideration for value for money because they mostly deals with inferior products without considering the interest of consumers.

Mr. Samuel Aikins tells Kaakyire Kwasi Afari of Afeema FM that GUTA is in agreement with the President’s suggestions of industrialization and limited importations, but believes this must be done in areas where Ghana has a competitive advantage.

Nonetheless, the Ghana Union of Traders Association in the Eastern region has forecast that there won’t be a shortage of items prior to, during, or following the Christmas holiday season.

According to GUTA, they are fully prepared to supply adequate goods to the market for consumers as far as the Christmas celebration is concerned.

When asked about their views and expectations ahead of the readings of the 2024 Budget, Mr. Samuel Aikins says the association is not ready to welcome any new tax from the government but rather, they are calling on the finance minister to reduce the existing taxes to encourage business men.

He said, the current taxes are putting more burden on the business community which is already in distress.

Credit: Kaakyire Kwasi Afari/Afeema FM Koforidua 0555327131.