Agbogbloshie Traders Association petitions government

Accra, Feb. 4, GNA - The Agbogbloshie Traders Association on Wednesday petitioned the government to intervene in an alleged trading malpractice undertaken by some Lebanese traders resident in Ghana. A statement signed by Madam Peggy Darko, on behalf of the traders said the Lebanese traders retailed and sold items at a rock-bottom prices which jeopardized their sales.

They said, "when a sack of rice is sold to us at GH¢ 35, we sell it at GH¢ 36 to realise a profit of GH¢ 1, including our off loading charges. The Lebanese sell the same item at GH¢ 35 to attract our customers".

The release said the main business as retailers operating in the Accra Metropolitan Authority (AMA) stores and paying their taxes adequately was being undermined by the Lebanese traders.

"This practice sets a dangerous precedent in the system. They have become our business rivals at the expense of the poor Ghanaian women who cannot finally meet their sales target so as to honour their tax obligations and also service their micro-credit facilities in various financial institutions", the statement added.