The Small Scale Rice Dealers Association of Ghana (SSRIDA), is to reschedule its planned demonstration in Accra against the Ministry of Trade and Industry, following a meeting with the Police at the weekend.

The demonstration was as a result of several appeals to the authorities to lift the ban on inland importation of rice.

A statement issued by Mr Yaw Korang, Coordinator, SSRIDA-GH said: “We the National Executives of the Small Scale Rice Dealers Association wish to inform our members nationwide that we are in consultation with the Greater Accra Regional Command on the upcoming plans to demonstrate against the Trade Ministry’s policy on inland importation of rice, thus giving monopoly to foreign exporters of the commodity.”

He said on meeting the Police on Friday, August 29, it came out that the proposed date on September 2 , for the demonstration was too short for them to prepare for the maximum security of the demonstrators.

Mr Korang said the Executives would meet the Police on Tuesday and would therefore communicate the new date for the demonstration.

He said on July 17 a directive by the then Minister of Trade, Mr Haruna Iddrisu to reopen the Sampa Border Post in the Brong Ahafo Region for members to do business has been grossly treated with contempt.

He said as law-abiding citizens, members are ready for instructions for a peaceful, well-organised and successful demonstration against the policies of the Ministry.

Members were expected to converge at Obra Spot at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle at 0900 hours before proceeding to the Ministry.