By, Nsor Paul Mensah
Nana Kwame Bediako, independent presidential candidate for the New force movement has announced his commitment to introduce an embargo on foreign goods to create an enabling environment for Ghanaians businesses.
He made this announcement at a meeting with Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) 21st May, 2024, in Accra, where he pledged to address their concerns in his manifesto.
According to Nana Kwame, unrestricted importation of goods, from other countries is affecting Ghanaian traders, as many foreign products enter the market unregulated.
He said, there's need to industrialize to develop the country Ghana, it is not only in China that we can travel to buy but the same business can be done in the country where Ghanaian businesses can trade with each other in Nigeria and other African countries.
"We must industrialize to develop Ghana," he emphasized, highlighting his administration's commitment to creating an enabling environment for business growth, particularly for the youth.
has pledged to eliminate excessive taxes imposed on Ghanaian traders if he is elected President in the upcoming 2024 General Elections.
According to him, these taxes are severely hindering the wealth generation potential of traders, leaving them in hardship.
Nana Kwame Bediako used the gathering to outline a comprehensive industrialization plan to drive economic growth, creating opportunities for the youth, and supporting local businesses. Acknowledging the need for innovative business ideas and a shift from the traditional reliance on natural resources.
Some of the comprehensive policies he indicated are to revise the numerous taxes imposed on businesses hence promising to implement reasonable tax policies to protect and promote indigenous companies.
Nana Bediako therefore assured that the government of the New Force Movement would only establish international relations with the international communities and not allow them to influence the governance system, date for the country, and control the market pace.
The President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Dr. Joseph Obeng used the meeting to highlight several challenges facing traders and businesses citing high inflation and excessive taxes.
These taxes he lamented are seriously affecting the affairs and operations of traders and businesses in the country which is worrying and disturbing.
He therefore expressed concern over the growing disillusionment within the business community towards mainstream politicians, he stressed that Business leaders have to take over the governance of Ghana to stimulate economic growth.
“People are tired of mainstream politicians, it is time for business-minded people to take over the leadership of this nation”, he stressed.
Dr. Obeng also emphasized the frustration among traders and business owners with the current political landscape stressing the need for change.
The GUTA President emphasis that Nana Kwame Bediako as a businessman aligns well with the trading community’s belief that he could address the numerous economic issues effectively.
“It is sad people pay more attention to only mainstream politicians but this narrative needs to change as a matter of urgency”.
“The cedi is becoming weaker by the day, measures need to be in place to address this matter because it is affecting us”, he lamented.