Members of the Eastern Regional branch of the Ghana Union of Traders Associations (GUTA) on Monday, September 2021 embarked on a demonstration and went on a rampage to lock up shops of foreigners engaging in retail trading in Koforidua, the regional capital.
The angry GUTA member’s locked more than 40 shops belonging to Foreigners mostly Nigerians operating retail outlets particularly mobile phones and accessories.
Their action turned chaotic as some shop owners resisted them.
GUTA had earlier warned to take the laws into their hands if nothing was done about foreigners engaging in retail business in Koforidua.
GUTA proceeded with a call on the Presidential Committee on Foreigners in Retail Trading of the Ministry of Trade to resume its exercise of clamping down on foreigners engaging in retail trading in the region to protect local business.
A statement issued Monday, May 10, 2021, and signed by the Eastern Regional chairman of GUTA, Harry Oduro Awuku, reminded the task force from the Ministry of Trade of the need to continue the work that they energetically commenced last year to sustain the gains made.
“The work has been done and we called for continuation to sustain the gains, there are also new entrants invading our markets in recent times due to the Covid-19 restrictions”. The statement said.
The Regional chapter of GUTA explained that the GIPC law meant to protect indigenous traders must be enforced the same as other country’s including Nigerians have been enforcing their internal trade laws.
The association said, the ECOWAS Trade Liberation Scheme makes it clear that investment and investors are subject to the laws and regulations of the host state especially if their actions are unhealthy to the people of the host country.
The association entreated the government to ensure that “the Ghanaian traders’ welfare must remain the foremost priority of the government as it is incumbent on it”
Meanwhile Chief Christian Ofor, Vice President, All Nigerians Community Eastern Region has condemned the lawless action of GUTA members.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
