The Ghana Union of Traders Associations (GUTA) has threatened to embark on a nationwide protest against the continued operations of foreign traders in Ghana’s local retail sector.
The Association is calling on the government to take decisive action, noting that retail trade is an area explicitly reserved for Ghanaians under existing law.
Greater Accra Regional Chairman of GUTA, Nana Kwabena Peprah, expressed frustration over the government’s silence despite persistent calls from members of the association.
“We’ve not received any response from the government since the protest at Circle, nor have we been invited for any dialogue on the matter. Following that protest, we’re getting feedback from other sectors and regions. People are agitating, and the government must act immediately. Otherwise, GUTA members across the country will begin demonstrations,” he said, as quoted by citinewsroom.com.
GUTA referenced the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act, expressing concern that regulatory authorities are reluctant to enforce key provisions of the law.
Section 27(1) of the GIPC Act, 2013 (Act 865), prohibits non-citizens and foreign-owned businesses from engaging in retail trade, petty trading, hawking, or selling goods in markets and stalls throughout the country.
The traders warned that failure to address these issues could spark widespread unrest across Ghana’s commercial hubs. They particularly cited foreign mobile phone dealers and shop owners, describing their operations as illegal and harmful to local businesses.
SSD/MA
Watch the latest episode of BizTech below:
