The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has announced plans to embark on a nationwide protest in solidarity with secondhand clothing dealers, who are under siege from what the union describes as a calculated effort to dismantle their industry.
This declaration comes in the wake of a strike by the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association on Thursday. The strike is a direct response to what the traders consider a sustained campaign of defamatory publications and accusations by the OR Foundation, an organization that has been vocal in its criticism of Ghana’s burgeoning secondhand clothing trade.
During a press conference on April 10, 2025, GUTA President, Dr. Joseph Obeng strongly condemned the OR Foundation’s actions, warning of the dire consequences for Ghana’s economy if the secondhand clothing trade is destabilized. He underscored the trade’s vital role in creating jobs and driving informal sector growth, asserting that any attempts to undermine it would not go unchallenged.
“This industry supports thousands of livelihoods across the country, and we can not stand by while its credibility and sustainability are attacked,” Dr. Obeng said. “We view this as an assault not only on the traders but on the larger economic ecosystem.”
Dr. Obeng called for immediate government intervention, urging the Attorney General’s Department and the Ministry of the Interior to launch a forensic audit into the OR Foundation’s activities and allegations.
“We demand accountability. These actions by the OR Foundation are creating divisions among traders, and if left unchecked, could lead to serious security issues. The government must act now to prevent a potential crisis,” he stated.
He further cautioned that GUTA would not hesitate to mobilize all sectors of trade for a massive nationwide demonstration if their demands are not addressed promptly.
“This is about unity and fairness. If the government does not step in quickly, we will organize a nationwide protest involving all trade sectors. Such a disruption will hurt everyone, but we are prepared to fight for the survival and dignity of the secondhand clothing industry,” he added.
Dr. Obeng also described the OR Foundation as a “fraudulent grouping sowing seeds of discontent” and reiterated GUTA’s unwavering support for secondhand traders, emphasizing that the planned demonstration would be a resounding message of resistance and solidarity.
The secondhand clothing trade, a key component of Ghana’s informal economy, has long been a source of affordable clothing for millions while providing employment for thousands. As tensions escalate, the industry’s stakeholders are rallying to protect their livelihoods from what they perceive as an existential threat.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
