The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has issued a three-day ultimatum to foreign nationals engaged in retail trading within the market, demanding that they close their shops or face possible enforcement action.
According to the Association, the involvement of foreign traders in retail business violates Ghana’s investment laws, undermines fair competition, and poses a serious threat to the survival of local businesses.
Speaking to the media in Accra, the General Secretary of the Association, Gifty Lovelock Naana Fianu, warned that if government agencies fail to act, the group is prepared to enforce the law themselves under Section 27(1) of the GIPC Act, 2013 (Act 865), which reserves retail trading for Ghanaians.
“We are giving them three days to shut down. Today, we will visit their shops and speak to them respectfully so they understand our concerns. On Wednesday, we will engage their leaders. But if they refuse to comply, we will involve the authorities,” she stated.
Ms. Fianu further explained that the Association will formally notify the police and other relevant institutions, giving them five days to respond.
If no action is taken, she said the Association will take matters into its own hands within the bounds of the law.
“We’ll follow the process, submit letters to the police and all the agencies responsible. But after that, if nothing is done, we’ll move forward with our own enforcement,” she emphasised.
The ultimatum highlights growing tensions over the enforcement of Ghana’s retail trade laws and ongoing concerns among local traders about foreign competition in protected sectors of the economy.
