[ 2012-07-03 ]

Some of the shops being closed down

Traders jump to the defence of foreign retailers
There has been mixed reactions to government’s
closure of foreign retail shops by the government,
Tuesday.

Whiles some Ghanaian traders courted sympathy for
some of these traders whose shops were closed
down, the leaders of the Ghana Union of Traders
Association were happy government has taken the
right step.

One of the unhappy Ghanaian traders told Joy News’
Francis Abban government must be selective in
closing down the shops.

She said those with legal permits must be allowed
to stay insisting, they disagree with the decision
of the Chinese traders to leave.

Joy News checks indicate six shops belonging to
Chinese but with Ghanaians fronting as owners were
closed down.

Speaking to Evans Mensah on Top Story, the
President of the Ghana Union of Traders
Association Mr. George Ofori said they are happy
with the action taken by government.

According to him, 36 shops have so far been closed
down and expects several others will be closed
down in due course.

GUTA has been championing the cause for the
closure of foreign retailers most of who they
claim have violated the law that required such
retailers to pay about $300,000.

Government after several postponements Tuesday
closed down some of the shops asking owners to
come and regularize their stay.

Meanwhile, Kofi Bentil of IMANI Ghana however has
challenges with government's action.

According to him, the law that required foreigners
to pay $300,000 is anomalous and must be relooked
at.

He said a law is intended for good, but this will
satisfy just a few and a greater majority will be
the end loser.

Kofi Bentil said the government must expand its
markets instead of constricting it, adding the
action will have dire consequences to Ghanaians
some of who are trading in other countries.

Source - Joy News

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