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GUTA members close shops over economic woes
Members of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), have closed their shops until Monday, October 24 in protest of the high cost of doing business in recent times.
They also insist that the continuous plummeting of the Ghanaian Cedi on the forex market and the high inflation rate have eroded their capital and exacerbated their plight.
GUTA wants this action to be a “pinch” on government to urgently address their concerns.
The shop closure come against pleas by members of the Council of State on Tuesday, October 18 for the traders to rescind their decision.
In a media interview shortly after the engagement with the Council of State members, however, the President of GUTA, Dr Joseph Obeng said their action is to compel the government to act quickly to ameliorate their plight.
“It is obvious that we cannot contain these challenges any longer as it is becoming increasingly challenging.
“We want to send a hint to the government to recognise that, there is a sense of urgency in this situation. On this note, by the power vested in me by the trading community, I declare that all shops in the Greater Accra Region be closed tomorrow till Monday”.
The Association has thus called on the government to ascertain the factors leading to excessive demand for forex while reviewing investment laws to retain forex and push foreign investors into productive sectors of the economy.
“Government should adopt other alternative currencies like the Chinese Yuan to reduce the pressure on the dollar, especially.
There should be the immediate implementation of the road map set out to flush out all illegal foreigners in the retail trade sector,” Dr Obeng added.
Source: www.myjoyonline.com
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) says it generated US$1.011 billion in foreign exchange from its artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) gold trade operations in October 2026.
According to the GoldBod, the entire amount was sold to authorised commercial banks through its GoldBod GoFX platform to support stability in the foreign exchange market.
In an announcement issued on Monday, November 2, the Board projected to generate US$1.2 billion in foreign exchange from its ASM gold trade operations in November.
It added that US$800 million of the projected amount would be made available to commercial banks to support foreign exchange market stability.
GoldBod said the sales would be conducted through its GoFX platform in line with the approved FX Sales and Intermediation Framework to ensure transparency, fairness and regulatory compliance.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to generating foreign exchange for the country and supporting the Bank of Ghana’s foreign reserve accumulation under the Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Policy (GANRAP).
By: Jacob Aggrey
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened applications for members interested in contesting as its parliamentary candidates in the 2028 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the party said interested members must declare their intention to contest between Sunday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
According to the statement signed by the party’s Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, prospective candidates must complete an online form within the specified period.
The party said a non-refundable application fee of GH¢5,000 would be charged to each prospective candidate.
It added that all applicants would undergo vetting and screening to determine their eligibility to contest on the party’s ticket.
The NPP announced plans to organise capacity-building workshops for prospective candidates in December 2026. The workshops will be held across the Northern, Middle and Southern zones, with details of the venues to be announced later.
The party stressed that the guidelines would apply to all prospective candidates, including sitting NPP Members of Parliament who wish to contest again.
It further warned aspirants against starting campaign activities following the opening of the application process.
According to the statement, the existing directive prohibiting campaign activities remains in force until the party gives official clearance.
It cautioned that anyone who violates the directive would face appropriate sanctions under the party’s constitution and regulations.
The NPP said the process was designed to promote fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for all aspirants as it prepares to select candidates for all 276 constituencies ahead of the 2028 elections.
It urged prospective candidates to follow the guidelines and conduct themselves with discipline and respect for one another throughout the process.
The party said its broader objective was to strengthen unity within its ranks and rebuild public confidence ahead of the 2028 general elections.
By: Jacob Aggrey
