Businesses, industry go on joint strike Wednesday

Industry and businesses in the Greater Accra region are going on a joint strike Wednesday March 4, 2015.

The one-day strike, which will be a prelude to a street demonstration, is being organised by the Joint consultative business associations.

Those part of the joint group include: Ghana chamber of commerce and industry (GCCI), the Ghana union of traders association (GUTA), Ghana Automobile Dealers Association (GADA), Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders Association (GIFF), the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG), Importers and exporters association of Ghana, Ghana pharmaceutical chamber, Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), customs brokers association of Ghana and the freight forwarders association of Ghana.

A statement signed by the group’s Executive Secretary reminded the public and the press that “the business community will on Wednesday the 4th of March 2015 embark on a strike in protest against the intended implementation of the Ghana conformity assessment programme (G-CAP), the advanced shipment information system (ASHI), as well as the worsening conditions of the business environment in the country.”

G-CAP is a conformity assessment process used to verify that products imported to Ghana meet the necessary standards.

ASHI is an electronic platform by which relevant shipment information is received in advance of vessel arrival in Ghana to enable pre-arrival clearance processes.

This is to help minimise the cost of clearing cargo at the port by reducing delays as well as high demurrage and rent charges. Its implementation has, however, been postponed to April on the orders of the Transport Ministry.

The joint consultative association says as part of the strike, “all businesses/industry within the Greater Accra Region are to be closed to the general public on Wednesday the 4th of March 2015 and members to congregate in red attire at the GUTA head office for further directives and press briefings,” adding: “There will be no street demonstration at this point.”