Social distancing rule: We're not stubborn, our space to operate is limited - GUTA

The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has explained why most markets are overcrowded with people even though there is a directive for all to practice social distancing, at all times, as part of the precautionary measures to fight Coronavirus.

According to the Association's president, Dr. Joseph Obeng, market women in Ghana operate in a confined environment hence, making it difficult for traders to practice the social distancing rule.

He complained that the nature of their business at these enclosed spaces makes them more exposed to the virus, ruling out claims that traders are perverse.

His comments come after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his last address to the nation lauded supermarkets for practicing the precautionary measures outlined by the GHS.

He called on market women to follow the stringent measures put in place by the supermarkets and also force their clienteles to do same.

But Dr Obeng in an interview with GhanaWeb said, “We are very much exposed because our nature of doing business here is not like the advanced country where they have the bigger spaces...we are confined in a limited space".

Speaking on suggestions that traders should run shifts, the GUTA president said such a system when introduced will be at a disadvantage to many as there wouldn't be a fair representation of who goes to the market.

However, he advised his members to try their best to comply with all the precautionary measures outlined by the Ghana Health Service while working in the limited space to stay alive to be in businesses.