GUTA calls for closure of illegal retail businesses

Tensions rise as members of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) clashed with Nigerian traders at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle last week. The confrontation comes on the heels of GUTA suspending its planned nationwide demonstration, aimed at drawing attention to alleged illegal trading activities conducted by foreigners in retail businesses that are legally designated for Ghanaians or foreigners with appropriate documentation. Joseph Paddy, the Public Relations Officer of GUTA, sheds light on the recent developments regarding the ongoing friction between local traders and foreign retailers. Paddy addressed the controversy surrounding the suspension of the demonstrations, emphasizing that the issue of foreign involvement in the retail sector has been a long-standing concern for GUTA. The association identified approximately 600 foreign retailers engaged in what they claim to be illegal business operations within Ghana. In response, GUTA took action to close down some of these shops, only to find them reopened shortly after. This prompted GUTA members to petition the government and ultimately led to the decision to organize a demonstration in protest. However, Paddy clarifies that the recent clash at Kwame Nkrumah Circle was not a direct confrontation between Ghanaian and Nigerian traders as misreported. He emphasizes that GUTA's main grievance is against all foreign retailers conducting business unlawfully in the country, with a significant number of them happening to be Nigerian nationals. The association's primary demand is for foreign traders to adhere to the regulations set by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) when operating in the retail sector. Highlighting the economic implications of illegal retail activities by foreigners, Paddy underscored the importance of tax compliance and revenue generation for the country's development. He expressed concern over the impact of such unauthorized businesses on the local economy and urged foreign traders to follow due process and obtain the necessary permits and licenses to operate legally. Moreover, Paddy drew attention to what he termed as 'institutional failures,' criticizing the lack of effective monitoring mechanisms by government institutions responsible for overseeing foreign businesses. He lamented the absence of proper enforcement and accountability measures, attributing these shortcomings to the current challenges faced by local traders and the economy at large. In response to the government's proposed roadmap for regularizing the status of foreign retailers, Paddy welcomed the initiative but stressed the importance of strict enforcement to ensure compliance. GUTA remains steadfast in its stance that all foreign traders must respect the laws of the land and fulfill the requisite legal obligations to operate in Ghana. As the debate between local traders and foreign retailers continues to unfold, GUTA remains resolute in its advocacy for a level playing field in the retail sector and calls for decisive action to address the issues of illegal trading practices and institutional weaknesses that threaten the livelihoods of Ghanaian traders and the stability of the economy.