The Founder of New Force Movement, Nana Kwame Bediako, has promised to scrap import duties for members of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA).
Addressing the GUTA Executives in Accra yesterday, he emphasised that it was important for politicians to be “fair and reasonable” by being sensitive to the needs of Ghanaians.
Touching on the critical impact of economic instability on businesses, he said “When the currency is not doing well, businesses will not do well. The rising inflation rate is killing businesses.”
He stressed that the necessity of a governance model that promotes progress and prosperity for the people, while calling for internal wealth creation.
Nana Bediako bemoaned that the depreciation of the cedi is a consequence of not creating value within the country.
He, therefore, urged GUTA members to start positioning themselves strategically in the marketplace.
“GUTA, start thinking about how you can take the position of the foreign traders, let us focus on creating distribution channels. The supply chain will launch us into great wealth.
“My biggest problem is not the people suffering, but how long they are going to suffer. I don’t know how the next generation will cope if things don’t change. Let the focus shift from enriching Chinese nationals in Ghana. We are losing our people to brain drain due to bad policies and it is sad,” he added.
Dr Joseph Obeng, president of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), who also address the gathering indicated that Ghana can achieve satisfactory economic reform only with greater representation of business interests in the country’s political landscape.
His remarks were made during a crucial meeting between some members of GUTA and Founder of the New Force Movement, Nana Kwame Bediako, as part of GUTA’s initiative to engage with all presidential candidates and present their concerns directly.
He said “Business leaders have to take over the governance of Ghana in order to stimulate economic growth.”
Dr Obeng further expressed worry over the growing disillusionment of the business community in Ghana, with mainstream politicians, adding that “people are tired of mainstream politicians. It is time for business minded people to take over the leadership of this nation.”
Dr Obeng emphasised the frustration among traders and business owners with the current political landscape, saying “It is sad people pay more attention to only mainstream politicians but this narrative needs to change as a matter of urgency.”
