Members of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), have closed their shops as announced by its President Dr. Joseph Obeng.
The shops are to remain closed until Monday, October 24 in protest of the high cost of doing business in recent times.
Shops in Abossey Okai, Makola and other areas have been closed at the time our reporters visited the areas.
GUTA says the rate of the cedi depreciation against the dollar, interest rate, and the inflation rate are some of the challenges affecting their businesses.
GUTA wants this action to be a “pinch” on the government to urgently address their concerns.
The Council of State had appealed to GUTA to rescind its decision but the leadership declined and stressed that the move is to send a clear message to the government.
Dr. Joseph Obeng said “It is obvious that we cannot contain these challenges any longer as it is becoming increasingly challenging.
“We want to send a hint to the government to recognise that, there is a sense of urgency in this situation. On this note, by the power vested in me by the trading community, I declare that all shops in the Greater Accra Region be closed tomorrow till Monday”.
“Government should adopt other alternative currencies like the Chinese Yuan to reduce the pressure on the dollar, especially.
There should be the immediate implementation of the road map set out to flush out all illegal foreigners in the retail trade sector,” Dr Obeng added.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
