Tomato Sellers Threaten Demo

Some aggrieved members of the Greater Accra Tomato Traders Association (GATTA) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) have hinted plans to embark on a massive demonstration in Accra. According to the group, the demonstration, which is slated for Thursday, February 21, 2014 is to protest what they described as the �autocratic leadership style� of GATTA�s General Secretary, Mrs. Lydia Afoley Anum. Against this background, the irate members stated in a letter dated July 10, 2014 and signed by Adjara Salifu, to the Director of Operations, Ghana Police Service, seeking permission to embark on the protest. The members further stressed that the intended demonstration is �in the wake of recent shocking revelations concerning institutional corruption that is swallowing the Association.� �We intend to embark upon this demonstration on February 21, 2014 in the forenoon along the Kwame Nkrumah Avenue; from Circle through Kantamanto and converge at the Old Polo Grounds,� the leadership told Today in an interview. The members who spoke to this reporter on condition of anonymity accused Mrs. Anum of favoritism as far as the schedule for tomato trading is concern. Mrs. Anum�s action, according to the members, is tearing the Association apart, creating unnecessary confusion that do not auger well for the growth of the group. As part of efforts to streamline tomato trading activities in Ghana, the ministry of trade and industries has designed a permit form and schedule system for traders and transporters in the tomatoe business. This, according to the ministry, would ensure sanity in the business and also facilitate local and cross-border economic activities. However, Lydia Afoley Anum has been accused of monopolising the system and failing to go by the schedule system released by the ministry. The members divulged that they have completed the permit, which schedule system was made and released. Mrs. Anum has also been accused of intimidating traders who stand up against her leadership. This however is opening doors for members of good standing to quit the Association, Today gathered. According to the members, other colleagues have left the Association due to the way and manner Mrs. Anum is handling affairs of the Association, expressing fear that if this continues it will collapse the association completely.