Lapaz Inundated With Second Hand Goods

THE inhabitants of Lapaz and its environs are compelled to accommodate the problem of inundation of second-hand business and goods.
The second-hand business, which is one of the fastest growing businesses in the community, is said to have been introduced by a resident some years ago.
At least three to five 40-footer containers and articulated trucks of second-hand goods are unloaded every week for various dealers in Lapaz. The goods usually comprise electrical appliances, bicycles, mattresses and clothing.
The new line of business is serving as a source of employment for the jobless youth in the community, as most of the jobless boys help in unloading the trucks for a fee or an item at reduced price.
A young man who often unloads goods, Mr K. Innocent, said he came around any time there was a truck to help in unloading it. He also said he made at least GH¢10 a day from his new found job.
A dealer, Ms Ernestina Frimpong, said the business was booming because of the profit they made, as many citizens preferred home-used goods to brand new ones.
She said customers loved to purchase home-used goods because of its durability and robustness, as many of the home-used goods last longer than new ones.
She added that most people also preferred the home-used goods because they were affordable and most times given on credit when the market became stagnant. She ,however, said the increasing number of people entering the business had the tendency of killing it in soon.
Giving his view of the market, Mr Amankwah said although the business was booming, they had a tough time clearing the goods from the port, as goods can be made to delay at the port for months, due to clearance procedures and the cost involved.
He appealed to the government not to increase the tax on second-hand goods and that something should be done to help clearing procedures at the port to be non- stressful.