Traders in Accra have closed their shops to protest the current economic conditions.
This comes after the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) directed all its members to embark on a three-day closure of shops to protest the current economic conditions.
Atinka News’ visit to Abbosey Okai and Okaishie Markets today Wednesday October 19, 2022, confirmed that the traders had started the three-day action.
Some traders who spoke to Atinka News at Abbosey Okai lamented the depreciation of the cedi against the US dollar, adding that it is making it difficult for most traders to stay in business.
GUTA President, Dr Joseph Obeng, who announced the 3 day action at a press conference on Tuesday October 18th said the traders cannot contain these challenges any longer.
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“It is obvious that we cannot contain these challenges any longer as it is becoming increasingly challenging”
“We want to send a hint to the government to recognize that there is a sense of urgency in this situation. On this note, by the power vested in me by the trading community, I declare that all shops in the Greater Accra be closed [Wednesday] till Monday.” Joseph Obeng added.
This action by the traders in Accra comes after a similar action by Traders in Kumasi.
Traders in parts of the central business district of Adum in Kumasi locked up their shops in protest against rising taxation on their goods.
The traders attributed the action to the pressure to honour payment of income tax, high cost of store rentals and charges from the metropolitan assembly.
They have argued that the cumulative taxes are crippling their businesses and have vowed to sustain the action until the GRA withdraws their personnel stationed at shops to record sales of products for tax purposes.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu