File: GUTA members protesting the involvement of foreigners in retail business[/caption] The government has reaffirmed its commitment to support Ghanaians in the retail trade sector. Subsequently, the committee on retail, tasked to oversee the enforcement of domestic retail legislation, regulations and policies, has been mandated to continue its work with a higher level of executive authority. Mr. Alan Kyerematen, the Minister of Trade and Industry has been appointed as the new Chairman of the committee. The decision was reached at an emergency stakeholders meeting organized by the Ministry of Trade and Industry on Tuesday 31st July, 2018 in Accra, a joint statement signed by Trade Minister and GUTA president said on Wednesday. The decision of government to remove foreigners from engaging in retail business in Ghana sparked a lot of concerns. Some foreigners who are currently into retail business said the move will endanger the peaceful relationship between Ghana and its neighbours especially Nigeria and the foreign community at large. The emergency meeting was attended by representatives from: National Executives and selected regional executives of Ghana Union Traders Association (GUTA); Ministry of National Security; Ministry of Information; Ghana Investment Promotion Center; Parliamentary select committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism; and Consumer Protection Agency. There were other representatives invited from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service and Private Enterprise Federation(PEF). Government’s delegation led by Alan Kyeremanten also included Bryan Acheampong, Minister of State; National Security, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Deputy Minister of Information; Yofi Grant, CEO of Ghana Investment Promotion Council; Nana Amaniapong Marfo, Member of Parliament; Ato Panford, Member of Parliament, Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism. The Ghana Union Traders Association (GUTA) was led by Dr. Joseph Obeng, President of GUTA. The deliberations were done in the light of legal, socio-economic, political and diplomatic as well as considering security background of maintaining peace and order and sanity in the domestic retail landscape while ensuring compliance with relevant local laws and regulations. By Steve Lissassi | 3news.com | Ghana ]]>
