The Ghana Union of Traders (GUTA) has called for the restoration of peace in Togo, warning that the ongoing turmoil will negatively impact trading activities across the West African sub-region.
Mr Joseph Obeng, President of GUTA, emphasised that if the situation is not resolved, it will have a significant impact on cross-border trade.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he noted that the effects would extend beyond Ghana and Togo, affecting trade with Benin, Nigeria, and other West African nations.
“If the ongoing turmoil is not resolved and the insecurity continues, the impact will not only affect trading between Ghana and Togo, but it will also significantly hinder cross-border trade among Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, and other West African countries,” Mr Obeng stated.
He stressed the paramount importance of security in cross-border trading. “If authorities don’t deal with the situation, trading will cease. We are therefore appealing to authorities to address the situation promptly to prevent a negative impact on trade.”
Mr Obeng advised women who frequently travel to Togo for business to minimise their trips. Instead, he suggested they pay business owners directly in Togo and have their goods transported to them in Ghana.
When asked if the situation could lead to a shortage of essential foods and negatively impact Ghana’s economy, he replied, “It will not have a major impact, although those who specifically import from Togo would be affected. However, we have importers with far superior capacity compared to those in Togo.”
He further clarified, “We don’t really have any essential imports from Togo that would significantly affect us, unlike essential commodities we import from Burkina Faso, such as onions and tomatoes. We have equally large importers of the same goods from other countries.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
