Significant number of shops in the Central Business District of Accra are still locked up even though the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has appealed to the shop owners to reopen.
Members of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) announced on Monday that they would close their shops in Kumasi and Accra for four days in protest against what it called �unfavourable government policies.�
At about 1000 hours when the Ghana News Agency visited Tudu and Rawlings Park, most wholesale and retail shops were closed with pockets of them opened.
The GNA team observed that scores of Police personnel were stationed at vantage locations in the market, whilst others were patrolling the market to protect traders who intend to open their shops.
Ms Abena Agyeman, shop attendant said, GUTA leaders had warned members not to open their shops; however, AMA officials are going round and calling on traders to open the shops.
She said those who have opened their shops might not be members of the union.
A Nigerian business woman, Miriam Joseph, said oblivious of what is happening in the Ghanaian market; she got here in Ghana only to realize that a lot of shops have been closed.
She claimed that prices are increased fortnightly, explaining that six yards of wooden garments which two weeks ago sold for GH₵60, is now selling at GH₵70, adding, �Because of the increase in prices of goods, I cannot buy the quantity I want�.
Ms Sarah Pobi, shop owner, said she used to make daily sales of GH₵15,000, but now she could manage with less than GH₵5,000 daily, attributing the sluggish business to increase in tax, high rocketing dollar rate, and government inability to check influx of foreign trading.
GUTA had complained that the special levy of three per cent on imports, 2.5 per cent increment in the Value Added Tax, persistent fall of the cedi and illegal charges at the ports, slowed down businesses.
Describing government trade policies as �unfair and unjust�, President of GUTA, Mr George Kweku Ofori, also accused state institutions of failing to monitor trade policies and enforcing compliance.
In response, the police said in a statement that they would deploy personnel in the cities to protect traders intending to open their shops.
Meanwhile Madam Jane Acquah, shop attendant, Anointed Lady Enterprise who deals in wedding materials, said she heard about the strike yesterday, but thought it was not serious, only to find out this morning that it is true.
Madam Acquah said if the Association orders them to close their shops they have no problem, although they will lose most of their customers but they expect that after the strike things will normalize.
Mr Clement Nkum, shop owner Alfred Nkum Enterprise who deals in home appliances said although he will lose most of his customers today; he is happy with the decision of the Association.
Madam Regina Arthur business woman said she came to the market to purchase some goods only to realize that most of the shops have been closed.
The Ghana News Agency also observed that as a result of the strike most of the workers are absent, while others are just sitting down in front of their shops.
Traffic is also unusually low due to the strike.
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