Traders at Abossey Okai on Monday, September 8, 2025 began enforcing Ghana’s investment laws which specifically targets foreign nationals involved in petty trading.

The initiative, led by the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association, is aimed at ensuring full compliance with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act, 2013 (Act 865).

In a statement signed by the Association’s Director of Communications, Takyi Addo, he said the enforcement will focus on Section 27(1) of the Act, which prohibits non-Ghanaians from engaging in retail activities such as hawking or selling goods in market stalls.

'Blanket' FDI reforms could spell doom for local businesses

Despite these legal restrictions, the Association says foreign traders continue to operate in areas like Abossey Okai, creating what it describes as unfair competition and threatening the survival of local businesses.

“For years, successive governments have failed to enforce this law, and Ghanaian traders have paid the price. It’s time to protect local enterprise and restore fairness in the market,” part of the statement read.

It further noted that the group is not opposed to foreign investment, however, it insists that all investors must operate within the bounds of the country’s trade laws.

SA/MA

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