The Ghana Union of Traders (GUTA) has declared its intention to take all necessary measures to remove foreign retailers from Ghanaian markets.
According to GUTA President Joseph Obeng, foreigners are encroaching on a sector reserved for Ghanaian citizens.
In an interview on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s Nyankonton Mu Nsem, Mr. Obeng asserted that foreigners now control nearly 70 percent of the retail market.
He noted a significant increase in malls across the country, with the majority owned by Chinese and other foreign nationals.
Mr. Obeng criticised the government for failing to enforce laws that restrict foreigners from engaging in retail trade.
“The law protects retail trading and reserves it for Ghanaians. Currently, China Mall and China Town are expanding their stores nationwide, pushing local businesses out,” he warned. “In five years, we would have to work as store assistants for these foreigners. We cannot compete with them. This is a betrayal of the Ghanaian people.”
He also announced that GUTA would soon hold a nationwide protest, dubbed ‘Destiny Day,’ to draw attention to their concerns and pressure authorities to act immediately.
“Nobody is listening to us, which is why we have decided to demonstrate so authorities will finally address our concerns,” he added. “It is an indictment on us as a country to allow this to happen.”
Mr. Obeng emphasised that Ghana should not relax its trade and retail laws for any foreigner, pointing out that in the home countries of these traders, individuals who violate laws are dealt with “ruthlessly.”
When asked about the possibility of legal action, Mr. Obeng stated that a previous attempt by foreigners to sue GUTA in an international court under former Attorney General Marietta Brew failed. He noted that the court had ruled against foreign engagement in retail trade, making further legal action by GUTA unnecessary.
“It is senseless to allow foreigners to come to Ghana and take over our retail market,” he concluded. “They have more resources and a more aggressive approach compared to Ghanaians. We have existing laws, but we are refusing to enforce them. It makes no sense to allow this influx while not enforcing the law.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
