KMA orders GUTA to halt closure of foreigners’ shops, outlines steps to resolve retail trade impasse

Kumasi, Dec. 05, – The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has directed the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) to immediately suspend its ongoing exercise of locking up shops owned by foreign nationals engaged in retail trade, following a closed-door meeting held between the Assembly and the Union.

The directive was contained in a press release issued after the meeting, which sought to calm rising tensions between local traders and foreign retailers operating within the Kumasi metropolis.

Mr. Richard Ofori-Agyemang Boadi, Mayor of Kumasi, acknowledged GUTA’s long-held concerns about what it considers growing violations of Ghana’s retail trade laws by foreign nationals. He assured the Union that the Assembly was committed to addressing the issue through lawful and lasting measures.

The Mayor appealed to GUTA to embrace dialogue and institutional cooperation rather than resorting to unilateral enforcement, noting that the grievances raised could only be resolved through coordinated action among relevant state agencies.

To this end, the KMA has established a multi-agency committee made up of representatives from the Ghana Immigration Service, Customs Excise and Preventive Service, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Investment Promotion Council, KMA, and GUTA.

The committee has been tasked to investigate the matter, monitor compliance, and advise on enforcement measures in line with Ghana’s trade laws.

As an immediate step, the Assembly has advised all foreign nationals currently involved in retail trading in the metropolis to voluntarily vacate the retail space by December 9, 2025.

According to the statement, this directive is intended to prevent any forceful evacuation during a planned joint enforcement exercise involving security agencies, the KMA, and GUTA.

The Assembly emphasised that the measure forms part of broader efforts to restore order, ensure adherence to national trade regulations, and promote a stable market environment for local traders.

The KMA expressed optimism that with cooperation from all stakeholders, the directive would be implemented peacefully and without disruption.

GHBUSS