The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) has pledged renewed efforts to safeguard Ghana’s retail sector from unlawful foreign participation, following a tense engagement with the Volta Regional branch of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) in Ho.
Led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Simon Madjie, the GIPC delegation met with regional GUTA executives to address rising concerns over what traders describe as the “creeping invasion” of local markets by foreign nationals. The meeting formed part of the Centre’s nationwide sensitisation and stakeholder engagement drive aimed at deepening collaboration and tackling investment-related challenges at the grassroots level.
During the discussions, Togbe Adzimah IV, Chairman of the Volta GUTA Chapter, lamented the growing influx of foreign traders into markets legally reserved for Ghanaians. He also cited issues such as the dumping of substandard goods, smuggling, and unfair price competition as threats to the survival of indigenous businesses.
“These challenges are eroding the confidence of our members and destabilising livelihoods. We are calling for immediate government intervention,” he appealed.
Togbe Adzimah urged the GIPC to establish a stronger operational presence in the Volta Region to better monitor compliance and respond to the needs of local traders.
In his response, Mr. Madjie reaffirmed the GIPC’s commitment to enforcing laws that reserve retail trade for Ghanaian citizens, emphasizing that “fronting”—the illegal practice of Ghanaians fronting for foreign investors—remains a major obstacle.
“Fronting undermines fair competition and economic justice. It is one of the root causes of the problem, and we must all take collective responsibility to stop it,” he stressed.
He announced the establishment of a GIPC Regional Office for the Volta and Oti Regions, a move he said would bring the Centre’s services closer to businesses and allow for real-time response to trade concerns.
“This new office is part of our decentralisation strategy. We want to work directly with traders, traditional leaders, and local authorities to ensure investment rules are respected,” Mr. Madjie said.
Following the meeting, the GIPC team toured the Ho Central Market with GUTA executives and Market Queen Madam Rejoice Norvixoxo, engaging traders and observing firsthand the operational constraints affecting retail activity in the region.
Mr. Madjie assured the traders of continued engagement, stating that the Centre’s priority is to promote fair trade practices, protect local entrepreneurship, and foster a healthy investment climate across Ghana.
“Our role is not just to attract investment, but to ensure that it complements—not competes unfairly with—Ghanaian enterprise,” he concluded.
