Traders call on the deputy speaker of parliament to retract comments about “exploitation.”
After First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Joseph Osei-Owusu accused them of exploiting Ghanaians and said they had no moral right to complain about taxes, the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) sought an apology.
The Bekwai Member of Parliament (MP) was described as “arrogant, ignorant, and disrespectful” by the Ghana Union of Traders Association in a sharply worded statement in response.
According to GUTA, the numerous taxes levied by the government force businesses to offer their wares at excessive costs.
The statement continued, “We have heard and read the frank remarks made by no less a person than the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament of the Republic of Ghana and demand an immediate retraction and unqualified apology to GUTA and all members of the business community.”
We categorically reject the assertion, as well as the blatant ignorance and haughtiness displayed in response to the real inputs GUTA provided on the three taxes he listed.
The MP’s remarks
GUTA has demanded that the MP retract his claim and extend a “unqualified apology” to all members of the business community. Mr. Osei-Owusu made his comments during an interview with Kumasi-based Oyerepa TV.
Mr. Osei-Owusu accused the traders of dishonesty and said that they inflated prices in order to make huge profits.
“They (the traders) are under-declaring, inflating the charges, and making huge profits on any product,” he claimed.
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