Abossey Okai spare parts dealers urge action on foreign takeover of petty trading
The Communications Director of the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has called on government and the Abosey Okai spare part dealers to take steps to address the rising presence of foreign nationals in Ghana’s petty trading sector, which many believe is contributing to rising unemployment among Ghanaians.
Speaking in an interview on Kessben TV Accra ,the director stated that Ghanaians themselves are partly to blame for the situation because they lead foreign traders in acquiring shops making it difficult to control the spread of foreign businesses. He stressed that the government cannot be solely blamed for the current situation.
He reminded the public that there is an existing law protecting petty trading for Ghanaians.The law, first introduced in 1994 and amended in 2013, was designed to protect small-scale businesses. According to the law, activities such as operating stationery shops, barbering salons, and other petty trades should be reserved for Ghanaians and any foreign national who wishes to engage in trading must register with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and follow its requirements.
Mr. Benjamin, a representative of the dealers, noted that some Ghanaians have made it easier for foreigners to take over the market by helping them register businesses and acquire shops.”When you check the documents, you realize the witness is a foreigner (Nigerian)who is led by a Ghanaian even though the law frowns on this”he said.
He further explained that initially, there was not enough data to track the number of foreign nationals operating in Ghana’s markets. However, efforts are now being made to compile accurate data and regulate the situation.
Mr. Benjamin added that his association has been in discussions with the Nigerian Union of Traders Association in Ghana (NUTAG) to find a solution. He noted many Nigerians, after working for years under Nigerian shop owners, eventually open their own businesses,which leads to an increase in competition.Benjamin added that 20 skilled Ghanaian men were to be employed by foreign national shops and this was backed by the law.
He acknowledged that many Ghanaians complain about foreigners selling goods at cheaper prices, but explained that this is partly due to differences in interest rates and the cost of doing business between the two countries.
While calling for strict enforcement of the law, Mr. Benjamin also stressed that government cannot simply shut down all foreign-owned shops because the country still needs investors to keep the economy growing.
By: Maame Ama Monyema Dodoo
