GUTA officials discuss issues on high import duties, demurrage costs, VAT with Bawumia

Flagbearer of the New Patritoc Party (NPP), Dr Mahamud Bawumia has met with executives and representatives of the Ghana Union of Traders' Associations (GUTA) to discuss issues affecting traders in Ghana.

During the meeting, in Accra on Thursday, October 15, the GUTA officials raised concerns about high import duties and demurrage costs, the increase of VAT for informal sector operators to 20%, the lack of access to EXIM loans, foreigners taking over the retail trade, high cost of rent and Goodwill payment for shops, etc.

Dr Bawumaiw wrote on Facebook after the meeting that "the discussions were eye-opening and GUTA also came with proposals to resolve some of these challenges.

We also discussed the importance of transitioning from just importing to producing these goods in Ghana and the incentives to encourage them to do so. It was a very productive meeting and my thanks to GUTA for this meeting."

Dr Bawumia also held discussions with the leadership of the Ghana Artisans Association in Accra, as part of his ongoing stakeholder engagements and consultations.

The meeting brought together a broad spectrum of artisans, including hairdressers and beauticians, tailors and dressmakers, barbers, as well as representatives from the construction and building materials industry.

Together with the NPP leader, the artisans deliberated on pressing issues and challenges facing their respective businesses.

The engagement offered an opportunity for the artisans to share first-hand accounts of the difficulties they encounter in their daily operations, while also exploring practical solutions that can help strengthen and expand their industries.

For his part, Dr. Bawumia noted that given the huge potential for job creation within these sectors, it is important that deliberate efforts are made to support and grow them.

He emphasised that empowering artisans goes beyond individual livelihoods, as the sector has the capacity to absorb large numbers of young people and drive local economic growth.

He also highlighted the need for focused interventions in key areas, including training and certification to improve professionalism and competitiveness, adoption of solar power to reduce high energy costs, enhanced access to credit for business expansion and acquisition of modern tools, as well as the implementation of a simplified tax system that eases the burden on small-scale operators.

The engagement forms part of Dr. Bawumia's broader consultations with various professional bodies, trade groups and industry players across the country, aimed at listening to their concerns and building a shared vision for inclusive economic development.