The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has warned foreign nationals, particularly Chinese shop owners, to cease retail activities or face shop closures by next week.
GUTA members, including executives and Women’s Wing, stormed Chinese shops in Accra, citing concerns over foreign dominance in local markets.
Gifty Fianu, 1st Vice National Coordinator of GUTA Women’s Wing, expressed frustration, stating that foreign operators, mainly Nigerians and Chinese, are flouting trade laws by engaging in retail trade reserved for Ghanaians. She claimed this is pushing local traders out of business and undermining indigenous enterprises.
GUTA alleges foreign nationals aren’t paying taxes and are displacing Ghanaian businesses. If they don’t comply with the law, GUTA will lead a shutdown of their shops by next week.
Pearl Poku, National Coordinator of GUTA Women’s Wing, stated that foreign nationals are buying goods with hard currency obtained through the black market, draining Ghana’s economy.
She alleged that Chinese and other foreign traders are dominating local markets, taking over space reserved for Ghanaians.
Poku led a peaceful demonstration to demand that foreign traders vacate the market space, saying it’s meant for Ghanaians. She expressed frustration that locals are struggling financially, with businesses suffering due to lack of customers.
Report by Bernard K Dadzie Greater Accra Region
