GUTA Threatens Nationwide Protest Over Foreigners in Retail Trade
GUTA warns of fresh demonstrations if government fails to enforce laws restricting foreigners from local retail trade.
- GUTA demands enforcement of laws barring foreigners from retail trading
- Traders accuse government of ignoring previous protests and calls for dialogue
- Nationwide demonstrations imminent if action is not taken
The Ghana Union of Traders Associations (GUTA) has issued a strong warning to the government, threatening nationwide protests if urgent action is not taken to stop foreigners from operating illegally in Ghana’s retail sector.
According to GUTA, the retail trade is legally reserved for Ghanaians under Section 27(1) of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act, 2013 (Act 865), which explicitly bars foreigners from engaging in petty trading, hawking, and selling in local markets and stalls.
Despite this, many foreign nationals—particularly in major cities—continue to dominate retail spaces, a situation Ghanaian traders say is harming their businesses and violating the law. Local shop owners and mobile phone dealers argue that the failure to enforce existing regulations is giving foreigners free rein to undercut prices and outcompete indigenous traders.
Speaking on the issue, GUTA’s Greater Accra Regional Chairman, Nana Kwabena Peprah, expressed frustration at the government’s silence following their recent protest at Circle.
“We’ve had no response from the government after our protest. There’s been no invitation for dialogue, and now traders from other regions are also ready to rise. If nothing is done, we’ll hit the streets again,” he stated.
The warning comes just a week after a demonstration by traders and reflects growing tensions over the enforcement of Ghana’s investment laws. GUTA says the continued inaction by regulatory agencies could spark widespread unrest across the country’s commercial hubs.
