Retail traders in showdown with gov't; close down shops

Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has instructed its members to close shops in all markets in Accra today (Thursday November 8, 2012).

GUTA is protesting delays in the ejection of foreigners from the retail market since the government ultimatum expired on the 16th of last month.

The group will also be staging a demonstration in Accra today when it closes shops in all markets.

Its President George Ofori told a news conference a while ago that Ghanaian traders will enforce the country’s laws if government fails to do so.

“There is no sign of support, no sign of relief, no sign of anything from anywhere; and so we are just like orphans who haven’t got parents,” he said.

He said the group will take their destiny into their own hands if the government and appropriate institutions have decided not to heed to their demands.

On his part, the National Organizer of the association Joseph Obeng says the agitations will continue nationwide until government enforces the law that bars foreigners from engaging in retail trading.

Meanwhile, the association has vowed to stop the planned construction of a Chinese market in Accra if the Trade Ministry fails to do so.

The project has been initiated by the Chinese business community in Ghana following the ejection of some foreigners from the retail market.

They are currently negotiating with the La stool to acquire land for the project. But the national organizer of the group told XYZ Business the Chinese market will collapse Ghanaian retail market if allowed to build a market like that.