GUTA takes on Govt Again over Nigerian traders impasse

Ghana Union of Traders's Associations (GUTA) has noted that the Nigerian Union of Traders Association in Ghana (NUTAG) has completely rejected the special dispensation offered to them by the government of Ghana after a series of diplomatic efforts by both Ghana and Nigeria governments.

Addressing a press conference in Accra, the members of GUTA stated that the government prevailed on them, the Ghanaian counterpart- GUTA to exercise restraints as the two sister States try to find a lasting solution to the long-standing issue of invasion of the markets by foreign retail traders. 

As a result, the GUTA noted that the operations of the Committee on Foreign retail trade, which was tasked to check and close down shops of recalcitrant foreigners were also halted. 

In a joint committee meeting of Ghana and Nigeria, GUTA asserted that the committee asked the leadership of the Nigerian traders to provide it with the data of their membership and other relevant documentation on their businesses.

This according to GUTA would enable the committee to discuss the issue and make an informed decision in line with the committee's terms of reference, the Nigerian traders asked for time to produce the documents, which was granted.

At the following meeting, however, GUTA pointed out that they failed to provide the needed information, and told the committee that they could not comply with the request of the joint committee. 

In fact, GUTA said this incongruous attitude of the Nigerian traders in Ghana is not only an affront but also a well-orchestrated ploy to frustrate the committee, State and people of Ghana.

"In view of this, we of the Ghana Union of the Traders' Associations wish to appeal to the Committee on Foreign Retail Trade to, as a matter of urgency resume its operations without any delay as the behaviour of the Nigerian traders has seriously provoked Ghanaian traders and reigniting agitations in the markets. 

"The Leaders of GUTA are making all efforts to calm down tempers but what we can not assure of is, to have influence again over the already frustrated and desperate traders.

"We hereby want the world to bear witness to the fact that we (GUTA) have given some concessions to our Nigerian counterparts, but they have failed to accept for which there is nothing more we can do than to call for immediate continuation of the operations of the Committee on Foreign Retail  Trade, to ensure sanity in our markets,' GUTA stressed.

 Freeman Koryekpor Awlesu Greater Accra Regional Correspondent