President of the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), David Amoateng, has stressed the need for foreign traders operating in Ghana to strictly comply with the country’s trade laws.
Speaking on Prime Morning on Joy Prime, Mr Amoateng clarified that Ghanaians are not against foreigners doing business in the country but are concerned about illegal trading practices that undermine local traders.
Mr Amoateng emphasised that the call is not for foreigners to be driven away but for them to follow Ghana’s trade regulations.
“Ghanaians are not asking for more, or anything extraordinary. I haven’t seen anywhere that a Ghanaian, be it a business person, a trade advocate, or a trade union leader, has said we don’t need foreigners in Ghana. No! We will be living in a dreamland. Why then did we fight to bring the African Union headquarters here?”
He pointed out that foreigners are welcome, but they must not disregard the laws that regulate trading in Ghana, stressing that Ghana has explicit laws guiding what foreigners can and cannot do in trade.
According to Mr Amoateng, foreigners are attracted to Ghana not simply because of love for Ghanaians, but because of the peaceful and stable environment the country offers.
He draws a contrast between Ghana and other African countries, highlighting the unique environment Ghanaians have created.
“The foreigners are not here because they like Ghanaians, no! They are here because of the environment created by the citizens. Around Africa, which country exists quietly when a government’s term of office is over? This peaceful environment created by Ghanaians is the reason they are coming here.”
He further explained that the law is clear on the specific areas where foreigners can engage in business, insisting that foreigners should focus on manufacturing and wholesaling, not retail.
“So if you are a foreigner and you want to do business in Ghana, you can come. But when you come, either you go into manufacturing or you go into wholesaling, that is where the law allows you.”
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