Leaders of the various trade associations in the Ashanti Region have reached a consensus to get shops re-opened in the Central Business District of Kumasi.

This was after an engagement with the Ashanti Regional Minister and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

After closing shops for five days, the traders threatened to demonstrate if their pleas were not heeded.

But after a meeting of stakeholders, a resolution has been made.

For five days, business activities in the Central Business District of Kumasi came to a standstill.

Shops remained closed in protest over rising taxation.

Service providers sat idle, as retailers remained stranded.

Other business owners expressed displeasure at the staff of the Ghana Revenue Authority tasked to make a 6% VAT deduction on every purchase.

On Thursday, an intervention was made by the Asantehemaa for traders to reopen their shops.

A meeting was held between all trade unions, and the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah on Friday.

Executive Secretary of the Ashanti Business Owners Association, Charles Kusi Appiah Kubi says the Minister has given his assurance of getting their issues resolved.

Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Union of Traders, Anthony Oppong, has debunked speculations of the industrial action being politically motivated.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah has promised to meet all trade unions in the region quarterly to address their concerns.