The time has come for the Government of Ghana to strictly enforce the laws barring foreigners from engaging in petty trading in Ghana as a way of creating jobs for Ghanaians, Dr Ofori Ameyaw, Chairman of the Ghana National Union of Traders (GUTA), has said.
According to him, the continued violation of these laws with impunity by some foreigners is posing a danger to indigenous small businesses, a situation that must be curbed immediately.
His comments follow assurances given by Trade and Industry Minister-designate Alan Kyerematen at his vetting that the laws barring foreigners from engaging in petty trading shall be enforced strictly under the Akufo-Addo-led government.
Speaking in an interview with Chief Jerry Forson, host of Ghana Yensom, on Accra100.5FM on Tuesday January 24, Dr Ofori Ameyaw said: “Every country in the world has laws and if those laws are not enforced, the country will never develop, and so if the politicians in Ghana promise to enforce those laws but do not do it, then they are inimical to the country at large.
“Governments have come and gone but this promise to ensure that foreigners do not engage in petty trading has not been fulfilled, but I am optimistic that it will be enforced this time round.”
He added: “We need to know that the cause of the cedi’s problems is the result of lack of enforcement of the law barring foreigners from engaging in petty trading in Ghana and the repatriation of foreign currency.
“Again, in most of the trading centres in Ghana, shops are being rented for $10,000, but ask yourself how many Ghanaians can afford such an amount? Most Ghanaians can’t afford it but the foreigners who have the wherewithal are able to afford and engage in these businesses. Why should we allow foreigners to take command our economy and relegate Ghanaians to the background as if we are second or third class citizens?
“We have reached a stage where we must call a spade a spade and enforce the law strictly just as is done in other countries.”
Source: Ghana/AccraFM.com
