The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) Awards held in Accra on Friday, 10 April 2026 brought together government officials, industry leaders, and traders to celebrate the contribution of the trading sector to Ghana’s economy and to deepen dialogue on private sector development.
The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, praised Ghanaian traders for their central role in sustaining the economy, describing them as essential actors in national development.
“Traders do far more than buy and sell; they sustain livelihoods and drive national development,” she said, adding that no meaningful economic transformation can occur without the active participation of traders and small and medium-sized enterprises.
She noted that engagements with market stakeholders across key trading centres such as Mokola, Kejetia, Salaga, and Techiman have informed government policy direction, particularly in addressing challenges facing the trading community.
Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare also pointed to recent macroeconomic improvements under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, citing a reduction in inflation from 22.4 percent in March 2025 to 3.2 percent in March 2026. She said the development is improving price stability, reducing business uncertainty, and strengthening trader confidence.
According to her, government is implementing reforms to improve efficiency at ports, customs, and business registration systems to ease the cost of doing business.
President of GUTA, Clement Boateng, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to stronger public-private collaboration, stressing the need for structured engagement in policy formulation.
A citation presented to President John Dramani Mahama and received on his behalf by the Trade Minister commended his administration for delivering “trade solutions that have stabilized Ghana’s economy.”
Former President of GUTA, Joseph Obeng, highlighted key achievements during his tenure, including the establishment of the Women’s Wing of GUTA, advocacy that contributed to benchmark value reductions, and the introduction of the 3 percent VAT flat rate scheme.
Former Minister for Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen, called on GUTA to explore innovative trade support systems, including the establishment of a Traders Bank to facilitate financing, as well as investment in retail infrastructure such as “Ghana Malls.” He also urged traders to take advantage of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Chairman of the event, Ernest Ofori Sarpong, called for stricter enforcement against illegal foreign participation in Ghana’s retail trade, emphasizing the need to protect local businesses.
The ceremony also featured the induction of new executives and the recognition of outstanding individuals and institutions, including the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), for their contributions to trade development.
