Traders defy strike as they open shops
Scores of traders at Okaishie, Kantamanto and Makola have defied the orders from the leadership of their various business associations not to open their shops to the public by engaging in business as usual.
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The action of the defiant traders is expected to weaken the front of their leadership who are bent on using their three-day intended strike action to force the government to review what they described as ‘an unfavourable tax regime’.
On Monday, 19 business associations began a sit down strike as part of a series of measures planned to compel the government to review the tax regime in the country.
They have argued that the present tax regime was impacting negatively on their businesses because their goods had become too expensive because of the taxes.
A visit by the Daily Graphic to ascertain the progress of the strike on what was expected to be day two of their action revealed a different picture as traders engaged their customers as usual.
The usual brisk business atmosphere that characterised the areas visited where human and vehicular traffic was rampant was the order of the day, giving an indication that the move by the leaders of the business association had collapsed.
It was not clear what the reaction of the leaders of the traders would be at the time of going to press as none was immediately available for comment.
Reasons for defiance
Mr Isaac Osei, a dealer in building materials at Kantamanto, said the leaders did not consult any of the members before the strike decision was taken,and, therefore, they were not in support of it.
He said the associations had in the past taken similar decisions which failed to make any difference and, therefore, wondered the essence of the strike.
“I have taken a loan from a bank for my business and I have to make payments every week so it will be suicidal for me to sit at home for three days without coming to work. The taxes are exorbitant but I don’t think sitting at home will solve the problem,” he said.
Others from Okaishie and Makola expressed similar sentiments and called for greater engagement between the leadership of the association and the members to enable them to be on what they described as “the same page”.
Some committed to the strike
However, when the DAILY GRAPHIC visited Abossey Okai, the hub of vehicle spare parts sales, almost all the shops remained closed, with the traders declaring their full commitment to the strike.
They affirmed their support for the action, adding that they were ready to sacrifice their daily incomes to support the action.
Mr Michael Owusu, a dealer in Opel parts, said even though the action was affecting his finances and livelihood, he was still determined to even extend the strike until the government heeded their call.
He was hopeful that the action would compel the government to review some of the taxes.