Some traders in Kumasi Adum in the Ashanti Regional Capital have kicked against government’s decision to restrict the importation of rice and vegetables oil.
The Akufo-Addo Bawumia-led government is set to establish a policy to restrict the importation of what they call strategic products. The products include rice, poultry, vegetable oils and pasta, among other items.
However, the Kumasi rice and vegetable oil dealers and importers believe that, the decision of government is bogus and does not hold water.
Speaking to Oyerepa TV in a ‘shop to shop’ interview with Kwesi Parker Wilson, the traders said, the government should reconsider its decision.
According to them, the locally produced rice is insufficient, and below standard and Ghanaians in general do not patronise the local rice.
Again despite the low quality, prices of local rice are high which makes it difficult for customers to purchase.
Speaking about vegetable oil, the dealers asked if the government produces quality abundance of oil in the country.
“I want to ask the president the kind of rice he consumes. He can’t place restrictions on rice importation whilst the rice we produce here are of low quality. I can tell you for a fact that, the president doesn’t eat local rice.
We don’t even sell local rice in our shops because people don’t buy it because their prices are very high.
Another trader said, about 90 percent of the rice and vegetable oil he sells daily are imported ones. Only 10 percent of his customers are interested in local rice.
If the government wants to put restriction on imported rice and vegetables, will he (Akufo-Addo) give us 90 per cent of our money?” He quizzed.
The traders said, “the government should stop putting taxes and restrictions on goods and services and focus on how to stablise the deteriorated economy.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com / Joseph Marfo
