Group of Ghanaian traders call for ejection of foreign retailers

Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), on Thursday embarked on a demonstration, asking government to with sense of urgency eject foreign retailers from the Ghanaian market after several failed attempt.

Mr George Kweku Ofori, President, GUTA noted that the protest became necessary after the Association had exhausted all avenue to resolve the issue.

According to him, GUTA’s position on ensuring the enforcement of Act 478 of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) that bars foreigners from petty trading, hawking or engaging in any other businesses had not been taken seriously.

“We members of GUTA believe in fighting for our freedom from these foreign retailers who have taken over our businesses by taking our destiny into our own hands.”

Mr Ofori said the Association was hopeful that the action would receive prompt response from the appropriate authorities.

Mr Kweku Obeng, National Organiser of GUTA said as part of the move, members had been asked to close their shops for the entire day.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry, in July 2012, set up a National Inter Agency Taskforce to get rid of non- Ghanaians operating in petty trading and other forms of business activities on the Ghanaian market.

This move by government was to protect the sector reserved for local traders in accordance with GIPC laws.

Source: GNA