The Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA), in collaboration with key government agencies and business associations, has held a high-level meeting to develop practical measures to strengthen compliance with Ghana’s retail trade laws, particularly within the informal sector.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Trade, the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), the Nigeria Union of Traders Association (NUTA), the Ghana-China Business Chamber of Commerce and the Ghana Police Service.
Discussions focused on concerns over the participation of foreign nationals in business activities that are legally reserved for Ghanaian citizens, as well as the need to address practices such as fronting.
Speaking at the engagement, GIPA Chief Executive Officer, Simon Madjie, stressed the importance of ensuring that all businesses operating in Ghana comply with the country’s investment and trade laws.
He noted that certain activities, including informal retail trading, are legally reserved for Ghanaian citizens and called for stronger collaboration among relevant institutions to ensure effective enforcement.
Mr Madjie said compliance with the law was essential to protecting legitimate businesses and maintaining a fair and orderly business environment.
The stakeholders agreed to pursue a coordinated and practical approach to enforcement, with emphasis on addressing fronting and other forms of non-compliance.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to protecting legitimate businesses while promoting peaceful, orderly and sustainable trading activities across Ghana’s markets.
