The Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Sampson Asaki-Awingobit, has urged consumers and traders to avoid dealing with so-called “Affairs Boys” at Abossey Okai, warning that their activities are contributing significantly to escalating market prices.
Speaking on the Adwene Kasa programme on Original TV/FM hosted by Kwaku Owusu Adjei Pato, Asaki-Awingobit explained that these middlemen operate outside formal trading systems, often inflating prices, evading taxes and distorting the supply chain.
According to him, the practice allows goods to change hands several times before reaching the final buyer, with each intermediary adding unnecessary mark-ups that ultimately push prices beyond the reach of ordinary consumers.
“These informal operators are not accountable, they rarely issue receipts and many do not pay the required taxes. The result is artificial price increases across the market,” he said.
Asaki-Awingobit advised both retailers and the general public to transact directly with recognized shops and registered dealers, particularly in major spare parts hubs such as Abossey Okai, to ensure fair pricing and accountability.
He further called on consumers to always demand a Value Added Tax (VAT) receipt for every purchase, noting that receipts promote transparency, protect buyers in case of disputes, and help government mobilize revenue for public services.
“When people insist on receipts, it discourages tax evasion and illegal pricing practices. It also strengthens consumer protection and supports national development,” he added.
The Importers and Exporters Association believes that reducing the influence of unregulated middlemen will help stabilize prices, improve market integrity and create a healthier business environment for legitimate traders.
Market analysts agree that weak enforcement of trading regulations, coupled with the activities of informal intermediaries, continues to place pressure on prices, especially in high-demand commercial centers.
Asaki-Awingobit has therefore appealed to regulatory agencies, including the Ghana Revenue Authority and local authorities, to intensify monitoring and education in major trading hubs to curb unfair practices and protect consumers.
Story by Doe Benjamin Kofi Lawson