Former GUTA president calls for restraint in Spare Parts-GUTA dispute

Former President of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), Joseph Obeng, has called for calm and restraint amid the ongoing dispute involving spare parts dealers and GUTA leadership.

His comments come after the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association announced that it would no longer support or participate in any activities organised by the Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA).

Addressing the media on December 14, 2025, the leadership of the spare parts dealers, led by Takyie Addo, expressed strong dissatisfaction with GUTA’s recent actions, particularly the inauguration of a new GUTA president without extending an invitation to the leadership of the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association.

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Reacting to the development in an interview with GhanaWeb Business on December 15, 2025, Obeng urged all parties to prioritise dialogue and avoid actions that could escalate tensions within the trading community.

“I want to appeal to all sides to exercise restraint. This issue can be resolved through engagement and understanding, not confrontation,” he said.

According to him, internal disagreements within trader associations should be addressed through the National Council and other established structures, using peaceful negotiations to protect the collective interests of traders nationwide.

Obeng said that prolonged disputes could negatively affect businesses and disrupt commercial activities, particularly at a time when traders are already facing economic pressures.

“When traders fight among themselves, it weakens our bargaining power and affects confidence in the market. We must remember that unity has always been our strength,” he stated.

He further encouraged GUTA leadership and the spare parts dealers to return to the negotiating table and work toward an amicable solution that reflects the concerns of all stakeholders.

“This is not the time for division. It is the time for maturity, dialogue, and compromise for the greater good of the trading community,” Obeng added.

MA