'Our concern is the Chinese' - GUTA president says no more discrimination against Nigerian traders

The president of the Ghana Union of Traders' Associations, Dr Joseph Obeng, has stated that the body is no longer clamping down on Nigerian traders in Ghana.

In an interview with MyNigeria's reporter, Ernestina Serwaa Asante, Dr Obeng disclosed that his full attention has been shifted towards the trading activities of the Chinese in Ghana, as they are the ones who have currently taken over the Ghanaian markets.

Calling Nigerian traders, 'his brothers', Dr Obeng emphasized that Ghana and Nigeria are working hand in hand to ensure peaceful trading relations.

Dr Obeng stated: "We have done our best and we have the joint task force, consistent of Nigeria itself and Ghana, and there were some dispensation we have given to our brothers in the sub-region.

"No our major concern is with the Chinese and that is where my attention is drawn to. They are taking it all from us. China mall, China town is taking about 40% of our market share.

"I mean, its very embarrassing because everybody knows that we go to China to buy goods. The psychology here is that if they have China mall, China town, why should they come to the locals to buy it."

Recall that GUTA has raised concerns about the impact of foreign traders, including Nigerians, on the local economy. GUTA has argued that foreign traders engage in retail trade reserved for Ghanaian citizens under Ghanaian law.

Over the years, tensions have occasionally escalated into clashes between Ghanaian traders, represented by GUTA, and Nigerian traders. These conflicts have sometimes involved accusations of unfair competition, tax evasion, and non-compliance with local business regulations.

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