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Authorities have finally released goods seized from cloth sellers at Kejetia Market in Kumasi following a vehement protest by the traders.
The seizure, which took place on Tuesday (21 May) involved wax prints worth GHC 500,000, confiscated by state security in a forceful operation.
The incident sparked outrage among members of the Cloth Sellers Association, who accused certain textile companies of undermining their businesses under the pretext of protecting their designs.
Clad in red bands symbolizing their protest, the aggrieved traders held a press conference on Wednesday, May 22, to express their disbelief and frustration. They questioned the authority and the aggressive measures taken by the textile companies and state security, highlighting the impact on their livelihoods and the market’s peaceful trading environment.
“It beats our imagination and wildest thoughts that a textile company that is into business just like Ghanaians who are into trading on various kinds of textiles will assume the role of authority and hide behind a claim of protecting their designs to seize our goods in Rambo style”, said Nana Yaa Badu the queen of the Cloth Sellers Association at the Kejetia Market.
“Who is clothed with the power and authority to enforce the laws of infringement of a person’s right of a design? Why would anybody try to destabilize the serene atmosphere of trading by scaring our customers away?” she quizzed.
The association warned of a two-month-long demonstration if their grievances were not addressed and called on the government to intervene.
“If we do not hear from authorities, then there will be a demonstration, and it will take about two months. We know that it will affect the taxes the government takes from us because if shops are closed, no one will pay taxes. We are begging the government to sit down with the designers and companies that are taking that measure to seize our booth, so we know the next line of action to take,” Nana Yaa stated.
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH
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