The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association will today, Monday, September 8, 2025, initiative moves to ensure strict compliance with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act, 2013 (Act 865).
The Association says despite the laws of the land prohibiting foreigners from engaging in retail trade, some foreign nationals have breached this law, therefore engaging in petty trading to stifle local businesses.
A statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Takyi Addo, on Sunday, September 7, 2025, the Association said it aims to target the Section 27(1) of the Act, which prohibits non-citizens from engaging in petty trading, hawking, or selling goods in stalls and markets.
According to the statement, places like Abossey Okai have been taken over by foreigners despite the clear position of the law prohibiting it. The statement noted that although several governments have tried resolving the issue but to no avail, members will take the initiative to ensure the law is enforced.
“Successive governments have failed to ensure full enforcement of this Act, resulting in a persistent drain on the businesses of Ghanaian traders. The time has come to uphold the law and protect local enterprise from unlawful competition,” the statement read.
The Association stressed that it is not against foreigners trading in the country since they contribute to national development. However, they must do so obeying the laws governing trade in the country.
It also called on relevant state institutions and stakeholders to support the exercise to preserve the integrity of local trade and secure the future of Ghanaian businesses.
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