SHOPS OPEN AFTER GUTA STRIKE

                                                                                                         Story By: Ufondu Kingsley

     

      The central business district in Accra recommenced business soon after the three-day strike by the members of Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) over increment of taxes was called off.

       Members of GUTA on February 29 closed down their shops in Accra, launching a three-day strike action to show their grievances against the introduction of some new taxes by government.

In the bid to reduce to strike tension, the said Union has however called off the strike, pending the outcome of dialogue with government to the said effect.

A visit by Business and Labour guide (BLG) to the Accra Business District showed that most shops and businesses were doing brisk business, although some few were still closed.

      According to most traders, “times are hard and businesses are not doing well due to the increase of tax, utility tariffs and the depreciation of the cedi against the dollar’’ they complained.

Mr Kishor Melwani, Managing Director of Melson Ltd, said though they were not directly under GUTA,however, they had no option than to comply with their directive by closing down their business over the three-day period.

      Nii Ofei Dodoo of Georgina Stores, appealed to government to listen to GUTA and revise the taxes downward for the common good of Ghanaians because sales were not good for them.

He said the few shops that were still not opened could be due to the fact that the weekend was approaching and owners who have other programmes such as funerals would rather start work fully on Monday.

Several traders in Accra have begun a three day protest by closing shops in the capital

Freight forwarders, automobile dealers, importers, exporters, food and beverage sellers have all joined the plan to close their shops for three days to protest a wave of taxes and utility tariff hikes that took effect at the beginning of the year.
      The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Food and Beverages Association, Institute of Freight Forwarders and other unions have directed their members to close their shops as part of a series of actions lined up to protest against increased taxes.