By Dennis Peprah, GNA
Sunyani, Aug. 29, GNA – Mechanical works at the Sunyani main ‘Magazine’ is in limbo, following the closure of shops belonging to Nigerian spare parts dealers at the enclave by the Brong-Ahafo Regional branch of the Ghana National Association of Garages (GNAG).
Last week, the Association ordered the foreign traders dealing in new and second hand spare parts to close their shops because members were unhappy that they (expatriate businessmen and women) had invaded the enclave and were rather engaged in general retailing instead of wholesaling.
Meanwhile some motorists, vehicle owners and mechanics at the place have complained that since those shops were closed it has been difficult to get spare parts to buy.
When the Ghana News Agency visited the mechanical enclave on Wednesday, many of the shops were closed, an indication that the Nigerian expatriate traders owned most of them.
This situation is pushing some of the mechanics to impress on the Executives of the Association to rescind their decision and allow the Nigerians to return to business.
“I don’t think the decision taken by the Association is the best. Now look at the way we are all struggling to get even a common fan belt to buy”, one of the visibly angry mechanics told the GNA on condition of anonymity.
Though their shops were closed, many of the Nigerian businessmen and women were sighted in front of them but declined to comment on the matter.
Meanwhile, the Association has affirmed it is unlawful for the Nigerians to engage in retailing, insisting that the trade is for Ghanaians only.
In an interview with the GNA, Mr Augustine Osei-Tutu, the Sunyani branch Chairman of the GNAG, said the Association was yet to meet with authorities at the Sunyani Municipal Assembly, Customs, Excise and Preventive Service Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Ghana Immigration Service to deliberate on the matter.
He said it was untrue that spare parts were scarce to buy at the “Magazine” saying such claims were a ploy adopted by the Nigerian traders, ostensibly to win the support of some of the mechanics.
Mr Osei-Tutu said the association would relay outcomes of the meeting to the media next week and advised vehicles owners and disgruntled mechanics to be patient, as the Association work for their interest.
GNA
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