GUTA lauds govt’s Coronavirus stimulus packages

The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has welcomed government’s intervention for businesses in the throes of the Coronavirus directives.

“The intervention is not only timely but also appropriate in the sense that the issue is not only of health but also of serious adverse effect on every sphere of life; leaving the entire global community in an atmosphere of uncertainty to which everyone can attest to,” said a statement issued on behalf of GUTA by General Secretary Alpha Shaban.

It, however, asked for places on the various committees for the leadership of GUTA in order to ensure that the rightful beneficiaries are selected.

“And it should be done in fair, transparent and equitable manner, devoid of partisan politics.”

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced social interventions for Ghanaians with the absorption of water bills of April, May and June.

In a nationwide broadcast to Ghanaians on Sunday, April 5, he also announced the devotion of a GH¢600 million package to be accessed by small- and medium-scale enterprises in the period of the lockdown, which has been necessitated by the coronavirus scourge.

Later, President Akufo-Addo also announced a 50 per cent absorption of electricity bills for industries in an effort to mitigate the effects of the directives on Covid-19 on businesses.

GUTA warned the public not to subject the government’s gesture to the usual politics.

“We would also entreat whoever happens to benefit from the package to endeavour to use the money for the purpose it is intended so as to be able to pay back as may be arranged and agreed by the authorities.”