Service providers are lamenting the impact of an industrial action by traders at the central business district of Kumasi.
Stores at Adum have been shut for five days in an action to protest rising taxation and what the traders describe as economic strangulation.
Rihaina Osman, a head porter, had roamed the Central Business District of Kumasi tirelessly the whole week.
But no one asked for her services.
She and her 3-year-old son have been surviving on a 15 cedi daily income. Rhaina worries about her survival this week.
We are suffering. It’s not easy for us, she said.
Emmanuel Abugri earns 30 pesewas on every 50-kilogram bag of cereals carried per day.
On a good day when he is at his best, he is able to load 30 bags. But this week, he sits idle, chatting with colleague loading boys.
Truck drivers are among other frustrated groups. With their inability to convey goods from the CBD to neighboring towns, their vehicles are parked on the streets.
Some are disappointed at the fuel consumed for their day’s trip.
Most service producers like Emanuel and Rihaina have been hit by the industrial action of traders at the CBD of Kumasi. Retailers coming from neighboring towns have been left stranded.
Leadership of the Trader Union wants the tax system simplified and reviewed to sustain their businesses.
The traders have threatened to demonstrate if their issues are not resolved.
There are ongoing negotiations between leaders of the traders, the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Ashanti Regional Minister to get the issue resolved.
