Dr Joseph Obeng is President of GUTA
The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) is calling on the government to address trade disruptions caused by border closures linked to political instability in the West African sub-region, particularly in Niger.
According to GUTA President Dr Joseph Obeng, the closures have significantly impacted trade flows, especially between Ghana and its landlocked neighbors.
Speaking in an interview on TV3 on May 17, 2025, as monitored by GhanaWeb Business, Dr Obeng emphasised that the closure of borders with landlocked ECOWAS countries such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso has deeply affected Ghanaian traders who rely heavily on these markets.
“ECOWAS countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso are our main markets. The borders are closed, and we can’t trade. We cannot transact with our clients. Meanwhile, these are the people we depend on for our daily bread,” he said.
He called on both the government and ECOWAS to prioritize diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region and reopen trade routes.
“These crises are not just security issues; they are also major economic concerns. The government must engage in diplomatic talks, because they directly hurt traders and the Ghanaian economy at large,” he added.
SP/MA
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