FTSE 100 +0.64%
Pound/Dollar -0.32%
Brent Crude Oil +0.06%
Cocoa +0.06%
Euro/Dollar -0.05%

Business & Analysis

Shop closures meant to stop foreigners from infiltrating our market – GUTA

By : Kofi Kafui Sampson on 22 Nov 2019, 09:40

Foreign shops

The National President of GUTA Dr, Joseph Obeng has debunked claims that Nigerians are being targeted following closure of foreign retail shops in Accra and Kumasi.

He is also dismissing assertions the shops are being closed as a retaliatory move to the closure of the Nigerian border.

He made these disclosures during an interview with Cedidollar.com on Friday.

He explained that members of GUTA are rather insisting on their rights hand demanding for those rights to be enforced.

Background

A week ago, it was reported that some members of the Ghana Union of Traders Association GUTA had closed down shops belonging to foreigners particularly Nigerians, in the Greater Accra Region and Ashanti Region (Kumasi).

A section of the business community believes this act is in retaliation against the closure of the Nigerian border.

But executives of GUTA told Cedidollar.com the assertions were without basis.

The Greater Accra Regional Chairman for GUTA, Mr. David Amoateng explained that GUTA is not just closing the shops of illegal Nigerian retailers but all foreigners who refuse to obey the retail laws of the country.

Foreigners whose shops were closed down include Chinese, Pakistanis, Syrians and Nigerians.

Touching on the GIPC Act, Section Twenty Eight of 865, he said foreigners are given the opportunity to transact business in Ghana.

He explained that foreigners are expected to supply goods in volumes to Ghanaians but not allowed to engage in retailing activities according to the GIPC law.

Meanwhile, he advised victims to find a warehouse for their goods to be moved.

He also urged all Ghanaians engaging in businesses outside the country to ensure they obey the laws in these countries.