The Ghana Union of Traders Associations (GUTA) has issued a strong warning to government authorities, threatening nationwide protests over what it calls the increasing infiltration of foreigners into Ghana’s retail trade sector.
According to GUTA, foreign nationals are flouting Section 27(1) of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act, 2013 (Act 865), which reserves retail activities such as hawking, petty trading, and shop operations for Ghanaian citizens only.
The Association says the failure of state agencies to enforce this law is allowing foreign traders to undercut local prices and drive Ghanaian businesses out of the market, particularly in hotspots like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi.
Speaking to Citi News, Greater Accra Regional Chairman of GUTA, Nana Kwabena Peprah, says tensions are rising across the country following the recent protest at Kwame Nkrumah Circle. He revealed that since the demonstration, the government has not reached out to the Association for dialogue or resolution.
“We’ve not had any response from the government after the protest at Circle, neither have we had any invitation from the government to dialogue on the issues,” he said. “People are agitating, and the government must immediately take action, or else GUTA members will begin demonstrations on those issues.”
GUTA has clarified that their concern is not anti-foreigner, but a call for lawful regulation of Ghana’s commercial space. The Association is urging immediate engagement from relevant authorities and firm enforcement of existing trade laws to protect Ghanaian livelihoods and prevent unrest in the business community.
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