The National Executive of the Ghana Union of Traders Associations (GUTA) has clarified that the views expressed by its president, Dr. Joseph Obeng, on E-Levy do not reflect the organization’s collective stance.
It will be recalled that the president of GUTA recently shared an opinion regarding E-Levy during an interview with one of the local media houses. It is following the public reaction emanating from the interview that the leadership of GUTA has distanced themselves from the position expressed by the president.
The GUTA National Executive, represented by Alhaji Alpha A. Shaban, in a statement made it clear that while they respect Dr. Obeng’s personal views regarding the E-Levy, these views do not encapsulate the official position of the union.
GUTA’s primary focus, the statement said, remains on the welfare of its members, and any divergence in opinions at the leadership level can lead to confusion about the organization’s objectives.
In addressing the matter, it is essential to identify the following key points regarding GUTA’s stance. First of all, GUTA acknowledges Dr. Obeng’s right to express his opinion, emphasizing the importance of individual perspectives within an organization.
The union highlights that the president’s remarks should not be construed as a representation of GUTA’s official position, showcasing the organization’s commitment to speaking with one voice on critical issues.
Despite the disagreement on the E-Levy, GUTA resonates with the president’s advocacy for a “fund” dedicated to the support of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), startup businesses, and women in trade.
“We, however, support his call for the establishment of a “fund” for the support of Small and Medium Enterprises, start up businesses and Women in trade. How the Fund should be raised should be at the discretion of the government” the statement read.
One of the central aspects of the discussion revolves around the proposed fund for SMEs and startups. GUTA sees this as an opportunity to bolster the economic foundation of these crucial sectors, but the method of financing such a fund remains open for discussion with the government.
The fund is aimed at providing necessary financial support to SMEs, which are vital for job creation and economic growth in Ghana.
GUTA believes that how this fund is raised should be determined by the government. This leaves room for collaboration between the private sector and the government to identify sustainable and effective methods for funding.
Establishing a dedicated fund for SMEs, it is understood, could significantly enhance the operational capacity of GUTA’s members, ultimately benefiting the larger economy.
In light of these dynamics, it is essential for GUTA to foster a more coherent approach as it navigates the complex landscape of economic policy and advocacy.
The recent situation involving Dr. Joseph Obeng’s comments on the E-Levy and GUTA’s subsequent clarification highlights the importance of coherent leadership and a unified approach in addressing critical issues affecting members. As GUTA continues its mission to support traders and businesses, it must navigate these challenges effectively, fostering unity while advocating for policies that will encourage growth and development within the sector. By prioritizing communication, strategic advocacy, and responsiveness to member feedback, GUTA can strengthen its role as a leading voice for trade associations in Ghana, ensuring its policies accurately reflect the needs and aspirations of its constituents.
