By Gloria Amoh
In a fiery press release, the People’s National Party (PNP) has addressed the recent controversies surrounding the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA).
The PNP’s statement comes in response to a recent radio interview on Okay FM, where the president of GUTA made remarks that have been met with widespread criticism.
According to the PNP, GUTA is attempting to monopolize the retail trading system, which they claim is leading to artificially high prices and contributing to inflation in Ghana.
The PNP accuses GUTA and its members of exploiting the free market economy to increase prices, thereby harming the purchasing power of Ghanaians. They provided a striking example: a chair that costs GHC 68 at China Mall is sold for about GHC 175 by GUTA members. This, they argue, is a clear indication of GUTA’s exploitative practices.
Moreover, the PNP condemned GUTA’s anger towards the Ministry of Agriculture for selling foodstuffs at lower prices while GUTA members continue to inflate prices to unbearable levels. They assert that GUTA’s actions are eroding the purchasing power of Ghanaians and that the union was formed with the intent to destroy this purchasing power.
The PNP also criticized GUTA’s opposition to the Ministry of Trade’s efforts to review monopoly laws, which currently allow only Ghanaian businesses to engage in retail trade. They argued that GUTA’s resistance to these efforts reveals their desire to maintain their exploitative practices. The PNP questioned why GUTA would prevent others from entering the market if they have nothing to hide.
In the Okay FM interview, the president of GUTA insulted the PNP, claiming that their accusations of price inflation are baseless and even went so far as to insult the chairperson of the party. The PNP expressed disappointment that someone with a doctorate degree could speak so irresponsibly. They reiterated that the difference in the price of a chair – GHC 175 versus GHC 68 – is a direct reflection of the inflation caused by GUTA.
The PNP further accused GUTA members of inflicting hardship on Ghanaians and hiding behind political affiliations to avoid scrutiny. They claimed that GUTA members have formed associations to keep prices high and report any member who tries to lower prices. This, according to the PNP, shows a fundamental misunderstanding of market dynamics and a blatant disregard for the well-being of Ghanaians.
Apart from collecting dues to live lavishly and conspiring with political parties and unscrupulous media personalities to maintain their monopoly, the PNP claimed that the president of GUTA and the union as a whole serve no beneficial purpose to Ghanaians. As a result, they called for the dissolution of GUTA.
The PNP announced that the next PNP government will take decisive action to address these issues. They plan to establish a regulatory body to oversee and control the pricing of essential goods and services, such as food, rent, fuel, healthcare, private education, and transportation, to prevent price gouging.
They also intend to review and amend monopoly laws to promote fair competition in the market and pass the consumer protection law that the 8th parliament has failed to pass. Additionally, they will set up and manage government retail outlets that offer essential goods at regulated prices.
In conclusion, the PNP called on Ghanaians to take a stand against GUTA’s exploitative practices and support the PNP’s efforts to protect consumers and ensure fair market practices. They emphasized the need for collective action to dissolve GUTA and implement reforms that will benefit all Ghanaians.