The Ashanti regional branch of Ghana Union of Traders’ Association has called on the necessary authorities to enforce the GIPC act which forbids foreigners to engage in retail business in Ghana.
Ashanti regional chairman of the association, Mr Anthony Oppong stated categorically that they are not against foreigners be it Nigerians or any other but are asking government to enforce GIPC act 865 subsection 27, which bans foreigners from doing retail businesses just as the laws which makes it illegal for foreigners to do illegal mining.
Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi, Tuesday, chairman of the association, Mr Anthony Oppong explained that the Suame magazine branch of the association on 24th of July 2017 held a meeting at KNUST to discuss the influx of foreign nationals in the retail business.
According to him the meeting has created fear and panic among some Nigerians, who have petitioned the Ashanti regional police command, the regional minister and the Nigerian high commission.
But GUTA is offended by the accusations and asks if it is forbidden to summon meetings with its member or use mega phones to announce the meeting because it makes Nigerians uncomfortable.
”We would like to state that we have been tolerating the nefarious and illegal activities of our Nigerian brothers for far too long”, he fumed.
Mr. Oppong reiterated the fact that foreigners doing retail business has a serious implication on national security considering the high unemployment situation among the Ghanaian youth.
He therefore sounded a word of caution to Ghanaians who front for these foreigners and land lords who rent out their premises to foreigners in that regard to desist from such illegal acts.
GUTA also warned officials from state agencies who take bribes from foreigners to help the acquire false documents to stop.
”We will therefore not rest until the authorities involved address our problem, not only in the Ashanti region but nationwide”, he added.
Source: otecfmghana.com
