Koforidua's timber operators, phone dealers, and mechanics throw support behind Mahama amidst struggles
HENRY GERCHI
New Juaben South Business owners including timber operators, phone dealers, and mechanics, have expressed frustration with the severe challenges they face under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. These challenges include permit denials, high taxes, and harassment.
The affected groups have declared their support for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama.
About 400 timber market operators have complained of persistent harassment and permit denials from the Forestry Commission, which they claim are undermining their livelihoods. The leader of the timber market operators stated, "We are struggling to survive due to the Forestry Commission's actions. We urge the NDC to help us solve this problem when they come to power."
Phone dealers in Koforidua have also raised concerns over high import duties and taxes on mobile phones, as well as frequent police arrests for selling refurbished phones. They accuse the authorities of theft and express worry about the increasing illegal participation of foreigners in retail and phone repair businesses.
Mechanics at Koforidua Ada Magazine are struggling with the rising cost of spare parts, making their services increasingly unaffordable and less frequently patronized by customers.
The National Youth Organizer of NDC, George Opare Addo, and his deputies, as well as New Juaben South Parliamentary candidate, Dr. Martin Offei Otu, engaged with local groups and assured them that John Dramani Mahama plans to eliminate nuisance taxes imposed on imported goods by the current government.
George Opare Addo stated, "John Mahama has assured to remove all nuisance taxes from import duties. This will lower import duties and reduce prices for items such as mobile phones and spare parts."
Dr. Martin Offei Otu pledged to collaborate with investors to add value to the timber industry by developing new wood products from sawdust, offering additional sources of income for operators."
