The Suame magazine branch of the Ghana National Association of Garages in Kumasi has condemned alleged assaults on some Nigerian traders.
This follows allegations that some spare parts dealers at Suame have assaulted their Nigerian counterparts in a renewed drive by Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) to kick out foreign traders.
Leaders of the Garages say they support the enforcement of the law barring foreigners from retail business but want enforcement to be devoid of violent attacks.
Addressing a news conference on Wednesday, Ashanti regional chairman of Garages, Nana Osei Bonsu said they do not support the unlawful action being undertaken by some indigenous spare parts dealers.
“As custodian of magazine lands, we don’t support the kind of action taken by the Ghanaian traders in Suame Magazine since they don’t have the right to take the law into their hands.
“We support the decision of the government to bar foreigners from doing retail business but enforcement should be done diligently to avoid any unforeseen repercussions”.
The Association has therefore warned the indigenous spare parts dealers to refrain from violently attacking their Nigerian counterparts else they will be met with fierce resistance.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Spare Parts dealers at Suame Magazine are demanding security protection to enable them carry out their trading activities after alleging that they are being harassed by GUTA members.
The Ghanaians have accused the Nigerians of reducing drastically the prices of their products thereby snatching their customers.
Chairman of the Nigerian Union Traders Association of Ghana, NUTAG, Chief Obiora Kizito describes the alleged assault on his members as unfortunate.
According to him, between Monday and Tuesday, about 10 of their members were assaulted and forced to close their shops.
Chief Obiora Kizito explained that for the security of their members at Suame Magazine, all their shops have been closed and will reopen only when they have been assured of maximum security from the police.
By Ibrahim Abubakar and Beatrice Spio-Garbrah ]]>
