Mr. Joseph Obeng, President of the Ghana Union of Traders (GUTA), claims that foreigners now occupy 60% of Ghana’s retail market, a direct violation of laws restricting their operation in the sector.
In an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr. Obeng urged the government to enforce existing laws that reserve retail trading for Ghanaian citizens.
He asserted that foreign nationals are illegally operating in the retail market, thereby depriving local businesses of their livelihoods.
“We have complained bitterly about the presence of foreigners in the retail market,” Mr. Obeng stated. “The situation has worsened, and if we don’t take action, foreigners will completely take over our retail markets.”
He warned, “If care is not taken, within ten years, our retail markets will be entirely in the hands of foreigners. These foreigners are opening more shops, working from Sunday to Sunday, and Ghanaians are purchasing from them. It is a troubling situation that we must address immediately.”
Mr. Obeng also lamented that these foreign traders often deal in inferior goods, contribute to forex problems, and undercut local businesses.
He stated that the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to establish a unified market for goods and services, foster economic integration, and bolster competitiveness among African nations, does not even support the current developments.
He noted that it is not possible to import goods from China, Japan, Yemen and then seek to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
