Ghana orders Nigerian traders, others out of markets

The government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana has issued a two-week ultimatum to non-Ghanaian traders, including many Nigerians to vacate markets across that country. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, non-Ghanaians engaged in retail trading have up to July 27 to move out of the markets or they would be prosecuted.

“Notice is hereby given to all non-Ghanaians who are engaged in retail trading activities contrary to the provisions of the Act (GIPC Law 2013) to desist from doing so. All persons engaged in such practices are therefore advised to stop to avoid legal actions being taken against them. Offenders are entreated to move out of the markets by Friday 27, 2018,” the statement said.

The ministry said Ghanaian law prohibits non citizens from engaging in any retail business, including the hawking or selling of goods.

“Section 27 (1) of the GIPC Law 2013, (Act 865) says, A person who is not a citizen or an enterprise which is not wholly owned by a citizen shall not invest or participate in the sale of goods or provision of services in a market, petty hawking or selling of goods in a stall at any place,” it said.

This is not the first time government has expelled foreigners from markets in the country. Shops owned by foreigners, mostly Chinese and Nigerians were shut by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in 2012 and 2013, largely due to complaints by the locals that their businesses were being stifled by the presence of foreigners in the markets.