The Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Michael Okyere Baafi, has said the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) is not being fair in their reactions.
His comments come following GUTA’s decision to close all shops to protest deteriorating economic situation in the country.
The group described the industrial action, which will end on Monday October 24, as a “pinch” on government to urgently address the depreciating cedi, high interest rate and inflation.
GUTA announced its decision after engaging in a three-hour meeting with some members of the Council of State.
But reacting to the closure of shops, Mr. Okyere Baafi said membership of the Association has not treated government fairly despite government’s commitment to addressing their challenges.
“Government has shown good faith…but it is constrained…we were supposed to start operations today, but they decided to close shops after their meeting yesterday… GUTA has not being fair to government because government is trying to solve some of your problems which you presented and you decide to respond to government in this manner, it means you have not been very fair and that is our problem”, the Trades Minister said on Angel FM.
Speaking further on Angel FM’s Anopa Bofo Morning Show, he said “we don’t wait for problems to emerge before we take action. We try our best to please GUTA to prevent chaos. When traders are angry and shops are closed and people can’t get goods to buy, their closure of shops can even be a national security issue.”
He disclosed that the Ministry of Trade agreed on some terms with GUTA in a meeting which involved the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Finance Ministry and Bank of Ghana (BoG) including the withdrawal of officers of GRA.
He added that GUTA complained about the exchange rate which impacts their customs arrangement and we decided to set a fix dollar rate for three months so that they can use that in clearing goods irrespective of the current rate.
“We have been engaging them for a very long time and everything that needs to be done has been done by this government and they are aware…”, he lamented.
However, a Deputy General Secretary for the Union, Richard Amamo said they need results not just mere words.
