Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, April 10, 2025, the President of GUTA, Dr Joseph Obeng, declared that the union will strongly resist any efforts to undermine the industry.
“We want everyone to understand that the propaganda being spread to undermine secondhand clothing should not be tolerated because we will not allow any ban,” he stated, expressing solidarity with the strike action declared by used clothing dealers at the Kantamanto Market.
Referring to the activities of the OR Foundation, an organisation accused by the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association of leading a calculated attempt to sabotage the business, Dr Obeng urged the government and relevant ministries to intervene to prevent further escalation.
“We are calling for accountability. We demand a forensic audit into these activities, and we call on the Attorney General’s Department and the Ministry of the Interior to act because this issue could lead to a serious security problem. The division among traders is concerning, and if care is not taken, it could result in major conflict, which we are determined to avoid,” he said.
“The government must step in as early as possible, or we will call for a nationwide demonstration. That will not benefit anyone, as it would mean all sectors of trade joining us in supporting our brothers and sisters in the secondhand clothing industry to fight against this fraudulent grouping that is sowing seeds of discontent among us,” Dr. Obeng added.
He also announced that GUTA is taking steps to promote the proper recycling of secondhand clothing in alignment with the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy.
The Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association declared a strike on Thursday in direct response to what it described as “continued defamatory statements and publications” by the OR Foundation, an organization frequently critical of the secondhand clothing trade in Ghana.
According to a statement released by the association, the OR Foundation has consistently portrayed the industry, particularly activities within the Kantamanto Market, in a negative and misleading light.
The association accused the foundation of spreading “false, unbalanced, and damaging narratives” that undermine the contribution of the used clothing sector to Ghana’s economy.
“These reports have painted an inaccurate picture of our operations, ignoring the significant role our industry plays in job creation, poverty reduction, and sustainable livelihoods for thousands of Ghanaians,” the statement read.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
