Close all illegal shops owned by foreigners – GUTA to gov't

The Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) is calling on government to close all shops of foreigners trading illegally in Ghana.
In 2019, GUTA  closed down several shops owned by foreign retailers operating illegally in the Ashanti Region over breach of retail protocols.
GUTA, however, says the association has observed with impunity, how these traders have started reopening their shops without government’s approval.
Speaking in an interview with Atinka FM’s AM Drive with host Ekourba Gyasi, GUTA President, Dr. Joseph Obeng said the traders are creating the impression that they have been given the nod by government to reopen their shops.
Dr Joseph Obeng explained that following an inspection of documents by the Committee on Foreign Retail Trade in the country, it was discovered that over 90% of foreigners did not meet the requirements to operate in Ghana.
He added that despite their illegibility to trade, these foreigners have refused to close their shops in accordance with the law and are mocking their colleague Ghanaians for the inability of the authorities to catch up with them.
“We want the authorities and the general public to note that these recalcitrant foreigners have taken the laws of our country into their own hands with impunity while the authorities look on unconcerned. We do not want anyone to call GUTA names when we strike,. They are taking our markets and we will not sit down unconcerned “he said.
According to Dr Joseph Obeng, these people are operating illegally and that it would be appropriate for the authorities to step in and close the shops as soon as possible.
The ECOWAS rule of origin, foreign traders from the ECOWAS sub region are only permitted to trade in goods that are manufactured in their respective countries.
 
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu Boatemaa