The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has shifted focus from partisan blame to systemic failures, accusing Ghana’s political leadership and regulatory bodies of neglecting laws meant to protect local businesses.
Speaking on Nkosuo Nsem on Plan B FM, GUTA’s Director of Welfare, Benjamin Yeboah, argued that weak enforcement at the country’s borders and within state institutions has enabled foreign traders—particularly from China—to dominate sectors traditionally reserved for Ghanaians.
According to him, the issue goes beyond political parties, pointing instead to a broader failure by state officials to uphold regulations. He stressed that immigration and customs officers have played a role in allowing foreign nationals to establish retail operations, contrary to existing trade laws and regional agreements.
Yeboah maintained that although legislation such as the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act clearly outlines restrictions on foreign participation in certain sectors, implementation has been inconsistent, leaving local entrepreneurs at a disadvantage.
He further warned that the growing presence of foreign businesses in retail and small-scale trading is stifling Ghanaian enterprise and limiting opportunities for indigenous growth. Beyond commerce, he highlighted concerns about environmental damage linked to foreign-led activities in sectors like mining.
GUTA is therefore urging government to prioritise the enforcement of existing laws and introduce targeted support for local industries to scale up and compete effectively.
The association also cautioned politicians—many of whom have business interests—that failure to act now could have long-term consequences, particularly when they eventually return to private enterprise and face a market already dominated by foreign players.
By: Bernard Mensah |Planbfmonline.com
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