GUTA strike: Shops closed across central business district of Accra in protest of new taxes

Traders in Accra have closed their shops in protest against excessive taxes imposed on them by Mahama administration.

The strike which is expected to last for three days is going to affect government revenue generation.

The Joint Consultative Business Forum comprising eight trader unions including Ghana Union of Traders Association served notice last week that its members will be beginning Monday lock up their shops to protest the high taxes imposed by the government - a situation they say is seriously affecting their businesses.

“For some time now what we are going through is too much. From 3% to 17% is just too much we want the government to know that we are serious that’s why we have closed our shops” one of the traders said.

Another trader also said business has not been favourable because of the way the economy is being managed.

“We don’t understand why taxes should be increase when we all know very well that we all living in hard times,” he said.

Speaking to Oman News Deputy Organizer of GUTA, Kofi Boateng, who expressed disappointment in government, said none of the sector ministers have called them to engage them on their concerns.

“It seems government is adamant, he said, adding that “we can see that government doesn’t want to do anything for us.”

He claimed that exporters from countries like Mali and Burkina which uses the Tema port have relocated due to excessive taxes charges at the country’s ports.

Mr. Kofi Boateng said they will back down until government head to their demand for removal of some of the taxes.

Story by: Michael Creg Afful

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