The Eastern Regional chapter of the Ghana Union of Traders (GUTA) is calling on the government to enforce GIPC laws (GIPC Act 865) barring foreigners from engaging in retail businesses in the country.
Speaking exclusively to Obaapa Florence Nyamekye Caesar of Afeema FM, Mr Harry Oduro chairman and deputy chairman Mr Samuel Victor Aikens, (GUTA) blamed the high cost of Ghanaian goods on numerous taxes and high duties paid at the ports
According to them, Nigerian traders import goods into their own country at low duties and taxes and later transport them by land to sell in Ghana at relatively cheaper prices without paying taxes to govt as compared to their Ghanaian counterparts.
They have vowed to flush out all foreign retailers in the Central business district of the Eastern Regional capital, Koforidua before during, and after the yuletide.
GUTA has since Monday locked up over 50 shops (still counting) belonging to foreigners (mostly Nigerians) who are into retail businesses.
“We will make sure to flush them out even if it will be termed a “xenophobic attack” because most of the big banks and businesses operating in Ghana are for Nigerians who always evade taxes while Ghanaians are just laboring for them!” He bemoaned.
GUTA has since Monday, November 20, 2023, held a series of meetings with the Eastern Regional Security Council, (REGSEC) a separate meeting was held with the New Juabeng South police command yesterday, November 22, 2023, where the outcome of the meeting is yet to be made public
Meanwhile, leadership of the Nigerian Union of Traders Association Ghana, (NUTAG) is yet to officially speak to the press on the outcome of their meeting with REGSEC.
Prince Okechukwu Okoli, chairman of NUTAG (Eastern Region) when contacted said they’re still in a meeting and thus couldn’t speak to Afeema News.
Shops belonging to foreigners may be opened temporarily so their goods could be sold out wholesale and then permanently closed until a foreigner obliges to GIPC laws regarding their business operations in Ghana.
Source: Obaapa Florence Nyamekye Ceaser
