GUTA clashes with foreign traders in Koforidua

Members of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) clashed with foreign retailers in Koforidua, causing chaos.

The incident occurred on Monday, November 20, 2023, as GUTA went on a mission to close down shops and businesses operated by foreigners in retail activities in the Eastern Regional Capital.

Members of the association seized mobile phone accessories and other items belonging to the foreigners during the operation and transported them to the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly.

In retaliation, the foreigners mobilized and stormed the assembly to demand the seized items and justice for what they deemed as their mistreatment.

This created a tense atmosphere at the assembly.

It took the intervention of the Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, Michael Okyere Baafi, to restore order and calm tempers.

Speaking to the media, the Eastern Regional Vice Chairman of GUTA, Samuel Victor Aikens, said “GIPC ACT 865 forbids foreigners from entering retail trade so that is why we are stopping them from operating in retail”.

He further argued that the existence of foreign retail businesses in the city has a negative impact on the local market.

“We are asking them not to retail. They can bring the goods, and give them to Ghanaians to sell at retail price. We are not stopping. There are foreigners retailing rice, oil, and motors and we are going to stop them,” Mr Aikens insisted.

Meanwhile, Mr Okyere Baafi, who is also a Deputy Minister of Trades and Industry said that the GIPC Act does not permit foreign nationals to engage in retail, and the ministry supports the closure of foreign retail shops.

He, however, asked for a peaceful approach.