Used clothing dealers kick against LI to restrict importation of selected items
The Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association has rejected the proposed legislative instrument (LI) imposing restrictions on the importation of selected items.
The group warns that this could lead to job losses and diminish wages leading to an adverse effect on the lives of millions.
The LI will compel importers of 22 restricted items, including poultry, rice, sugar, used clothing and diapers to seek licenses from a committee to be set up by the sector minister.
However, the Deputy Secretary of the group Edward Atobrah Binkly at a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, said this would create monopoly in the system while breeding corruption, as only individuals who could afford the license would be in business.
“The association is worried about the negative implications of requiring a license from the government for importing used clothing into the country.”
“Introducing a licensing system may create financial barriers, disproportionately affecting small and medium sized businesses and hindering their participation in trade,” he added.
He said currently more than five million Ghanaians were engaged directly and indirectly in the used clothing trade.
Beyond the direct workforce, the restrictions could disrupt the livelihoods of those in ancillary roles such as head potters, popularly known as kayaye and tailors who rely on the availability of affordable clothing for their businesses.
According to Mr Binkly the Association had the capacity of self-regulating the industry through collaborative effort and internal mechanisms to address concerns related to standards, quality, and ethical practices within the sector.
He commended the minority in parliament for standing against the LI and urged the government to as a matter of urgency find balanced solutions that protect the interests of the industry and the nation.
“We remain committed to fostering a thriving and sustainable used clothing industry in Ghana,” he said.
Meanwhile in an interview with the Ghanaian Times after the briefing, at Kantamanto, Accra, some used clothing sellers appealed to the government to desist from implementing policies that will further affect businesses negatively.
Dede Samuel, it was very important for the government to focus on creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Another used clothing seller, Madam Kate Owusua indicated that she inherited her business from her late mother and uses proceeds to fend for her family therefore any situation that would result in making her run at a lose would not affect her alone but her entire family.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU
