“Gov’t Disappointed In GUTA Over Closure Of Shops”– Dep. Trade Minister

Deputy Trade Minister, Micheal Okyere Berfi, says government is disappointed in the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) over the closure of shops.

This comes after GUTA directed all of its members to close their stores for three days to protest current economic conditions.

Atinka News’ visit to Abbosey Okai and Okaishie Markets today Wednesday October 19, 2022, confirmed that the traders had started the three-day action.

Some traders who spoke to Atinka News at Abbosey Okai lamented the depreciation of the cedi against the US dollar, adding that it is making it difficult for most traders to stay in business.

GUTA President, Dr Joseph Obeng, who announced the 3 day action at a press conference on Tuesday October 18th said the traders cannot contain these challenges any longer.

Speaking on the development on Atinka FM’s AM Drive with host Kaakyire Ofori Ayim, Deputy Trade Minister, Micheal Okyere Berfi said government has put measures in place to meet the needs of GUTA.

According to Micheal Okyere Berfi, the closure of shops by the traders came at a surprise.

“Government is doing its best to meet the traders at the point of their needs, so we were surprised when they insisted on closing their shops and topping it up with a demonstration.”

“We are very disappointed, but as far as the government is concerned, the demands of GUTA have been met,” Micheal Okyere Berfi added.

Meanwhile, President for the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Dr Joseph Obeng, has defended the closure of shops in Accra.

He revealed that the closure of the shops in Accra was to tell the government to tackle the issue with some sense of urgency.

“We are losing our capital and it is getting serious.” The depreciation of the cedi against the US dollar is making things worse. If we do not come together to find a lasting solution, our businesses will suffer. We have closed our shops to call the attention of government to the fact that there is a sense of urgency in what is happening. We are also sending a signal to our foreign suppliers for them to know the situation in Ghana, “Dr Joseph Obeng told Kaakyire Ofori Ayim.