At the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) Awards held in Accra on Friday 10th April, 2026, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, delivered a powerful tribute to Ghanaian traders, describing them as the backbone of the nation’s economy.
Drawing from a timeless Ghanaian proverb, the Minister emphasized that traders do far more than buy and sell they sustain livelihoods and drive national development. She noted that across markets from Mokola to Kejetia and Salaga to Techiman, the spirit of enterprise, resilience, and community remains evident in the daily work of GUTA members.
Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare, highlighted the critical role of the Ghana Union of Traders Association in shaping Ghana’s private sector, stressing that no meaningful economic transformation can occur without the active participation of traders and small and medium-sized enterprises.
Reflecting on her engagements since assuming office, she recounted visits to markets and interactions with key stakeholders, including market queens and spare parts dealers, which have helped shape responsive policies for the sector.
The Hon. Minister also underscored the importance of macroeconomic stability under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, noting a significant drop in inflation from 22.4% in March 2025 to 3.2% in March 2026. According to her, this stability is already translating into more predictable pricing, reduced cost volatility, and improved business confidence for traders.
Reaffirming government’s commitment to improving the business environment, the Minister stated that efforts are underway to ease bottlenecks across ports, customs, and business registration processes to ensure that doing business in Ghana becomes more efficient and practical.
She further called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector, emphasizing that traders remain a vital link between production and the market in Ghana’s industrialization agenda.
In a passionate appeal, the Minister commended sachet water producers and GUTA members for maintaining stable prices despite economic pressures, urging them to continue supporting national efforts to sustain macroeconomic gains.
Expressing confidence in the association, she encouraged GUTA to lead by example in preserving price stability and strengthening market confidence, assuring them that “the good times are ahead.”
The President of GUTA Mr Clement Boateng said a key pillar of his Administration is to”rally the private sector organizations especially trade associations to advocate and ensure that there is effective collaboration between the State actors and Private sector players, by way of Public-private dialogue in policy formulation”.
In a Citation to President John Dramani Mahama, and received by the Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Industry Minister, GUTA stated that ” President Mahama has delivered trade solutions that has stabilized Ghana’s economy among others”.
Dr Joseph Obeng, the immediate Past President of GUTA on his part, recounted his achievements during his tenure including the the establishment of the Women’s wing of GUTA and the contribution to the reduction of the Benchmark value, the 3%Vat flat rate scheme.
The Guest speaker and former Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon. Alan Kojo kyeremanten encouraged GUTA to engage stakeholders and establish Traders Bank to facilitate trade among others while urging them to also consider establishing retail shops such as “Ghana Malls” and also take advantage of the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area( AfCFTA).
In a remark, Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong called for an end to illegal foreign retail trade in Ghana.
The event was also used to induct new Excutives and award very distinguished Personalities and corporate bodies including the Ministry of Trade agribusiness and Industry and Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, GIPC.
