Accra: President of the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), David Amoateng, has criticised the growing public attacks against traders, saying their concerns about the economy and transport system should not be dismissed. Speaking at a press conference, Amoateng highlighted the essential role traders play in supporting successive governments and emphasized that their concerns are primarily about issues affecting businesses and ordinary Ghanaians.
According to Ghana Web, Amoateng condemned the negative labeling of traders as thieves and robbers, stressing that traders contribute to making the country governable. He asserted that traders would continue engaging with the current government to address their concerns, as it holds the responsibility for current administrative affairs.
Amoateng also urged the government to tackle the shortage of commercial vehicles, especially during peak hours, which allows some transport operators to charge higher fares. He recommended a reduction in import duties on vehicles to encourage more businesses to import commercial vehicles, thus increasing competition in the transport sector.
He noted that TAGG had previously petitioned the government regarding this issue, but despite the petition being forwarded to the Transport Ministry, it had not been addressed in successive budgets. Amoateng further encouraged Ghanaians to concentrate on issues affecting their livelihoods rather than engaging in social media insults.