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Some angry members of the Ghana Electrical Dealers Association (GEDA) Monday closed foreign-owned shops on the Opera Square in Accra.
This action, which culminated in a stalemate, saw the leadership of the Union of Traders of Ghana (GUTA) and the Union of Nigerian Traders invited by the police to talks on ways to end at the dead end.
The closing of stores has blocked the shops of the Opera Square in Accra – a hub for electricity retailers in the central business district of Accra.
Chief Superintendent Kwasi Ofori, head of operations in Accra Region of the Ghana Police Service, told Joy Business that "steps have been taken to ensure that mental health prevails. We have also invited both parties to define the best ways to solve this problem before the situation escalates. "
At the same time, Chief Chukwuemeka Nnaji, chairman of the Union of Nigerian Traders in Ghana, expressed frustration with the incident.
Retail traders in the capital of Ashanti region and even in Accra have accused foreigners, especially Nigerians, of engaging in retail trade, in violation of Article 27 of GIPC 865 which prohibits non-Ghanaians to engage in retail business in that jurisdiction.
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"Foreigners, even Nigerians, are aware of the ECOWAS Trade Treaty and we believe that if there is a problem, we can sit and talk rather than engage in such action", did he declare.
Last month, about 17 stores were closed at the same location as the police again intervened.
In no time, the closed stores were reopened and the calm was restored.
However, this time, the closed stores remained closed because the police authorities had then left the premises.
In all of the above, the Association of Traders of Ghana (GUTA) has accused the police of treating its members unfairly and not enforcing the law.
"These foreign retailers have found a loophole in our retail laws and are taking advantage of them. As a country, we have not managed to preserve what belongs to Ghanaians. We will not sit and watch them invade our market. We do not hate Nigerians, we just want the laws to work, "said Dr. Joseph Obeng, president of GUTA.
Last week, the leader of the majority asked the security forces to do their utmost to enforce the country's law prohibiting foreigners from engaging in retail business.
Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu insists that no treaty concluded by Ghana replaces national laws.
"In its relations with other governments, it must protect and promote the interests of Ghana … I have heard people say that Ghana has ratified conventions, but it is true that they can not supplant our constitution. In the sub-region, the ECOWAS protocol provides for the free movement of goods and services.
"When the goods arrive at their destination, the laws of the country stipulate that the retail business must be in the hands of the citizens. In Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d 'Ivoire, no one can say that we have ratified the ECOWAS protocol. We should allow citizens of other countries, including the sub-region and the Chinese, Turks and others, to engage in retail. " he said Thursday in Parliament.
-Myjoyonline
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