The Ghana Union of Traders Associations (GUTA) has issued a strong warning of nationwide protests if the government fails to crack down on the rising presence of foreign nationals in Ghana’s retail sector.
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GUTA insists that the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act, 2013 (Act 865) strictly reserves retail trading for Ghanaian citizens, yet enforcement remains weak. The Association cites growing cases of foreigners openly flouting the law in major markets, particularly in electronics and mobile phone retail.
“We’ve had no response from government after our protest at Circle,” said Nana Kwabena Peprah, Greater Accra Regional Chairman of GUTA. “People are agitated, and if action is not taken, we will be forced to hit the streets.”
Traders complain that foreign retailers, often with deeper capital bases, are undercutting prices and driving locals out of business. The frustration has escalated following a recent protest at Kwame Nkrumah Circle, with GUTA demanding urgent intervention.
The group maintains that unless the GIPC Act is strictly enforced, Ghana’s local trade sector risks being overtaken, potentially triggering widespread unrest.
