The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) is urging government to review import duties, reduce business operating costs and improve access to affordable credit in the 2027 Budget to enable private businesses to expand and create more jobs.
The association says the gains made in economic stabilisation must now translate into stronger private-sector growth, arguing that businesses need a more supportive operating environment to contribute meaningfully to employment creation.
GUTA Vice President Joseph Paddy made the call during an interview on Eyewitness News on Wednesday, November 11, ahead of Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson’s presentation of the 2027 Budget.
He maintained that although the economy had experienced relative stability in 2026, the next priority should be policies that stimulate business expansion and increase economic activity.
“Between stability and sustainability, the next level we’re looking forward to is growth. So what systems is the government going to put in place to bring growth? When I talk of growth, I’m looking at the private sector growth,” he said.
Mr Paddy stressed that the private sector must play a leading role in addressing unemployment, noting that businesses would be better positioned to employ more people if government addressed the challenges limiting their operations.
“We want to hear what the government is going to do to create that enabling environment for the private sector to grow. Then when we grow, we can create the needed employment,” he added.
As part of its proposals, GUTA is calling for affordable financing, reductions in utility and transportation costs, and a review of import duties, which Mr Paddy said could reach approximately 55 per cent of the capital value of imported goods.
The association is also advocating against the introduction of new taxes in the 2027 Budget, warning that additional tax obligations could worsen the financial pressures facing traders.
Mr Paddy acknowledged improvements in the stability of the cedi and declining interest rates, describing them as positive developments for the trading community.
He explained that the relative strength of the local currency had reduced the amount of money traders required to purchase foreign exchange for imports, allowing some businesses to retain resources for reinvestment.
However, he argued that sustaining these gains would require deliberate government interventions to lower operating expenses, improve competitiveness and encourage private investment.
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is scheduled to present the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Thursday, November 12, 2026, with businesses expected to closely monitor the proposed measures for private-sector development.
