GIPA, GUTA commit to protect Ghanaian-reserved retail sector

GIPA, GUTA The Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) and the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) have outlined a collaborative roadmap to strengthen the protection of Ghana’s informal retail sector, which is reserved for Ghanaian citizens under the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority Act, 2026 (Act 1173).

At a strategic meeting convened under the directive of the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MoTAI), GIPA CEO, Simon Madjie, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to strengthening oversight and preventing unauthorised participation in reserved activities.

The meeting also addressed concerns over “fronting”, where Ghanaian individuals or entities are used to conceal foreign ownership or control of businesses operating in reserved sectors.

As part of the way forward, GIPA and GUTA proposed strengthening an inter-agency task force, establishing a dedicated monitoring and enforcement mechanism, introducing a direct reporting channel for suspected violations, and undertaking public education on the relevant regulations.

The two organisations reaffirmed their commitment to protecting livelihoods, upholding Ghana’s investment laws and promoting a fair, orderly and lawful business environment.

The renewed collaboration comes amid longstanding concerns from local traders over the growing presence of foreign nationals in segments of the retail market reserved exclusively for Ghanaians, including petty trading and small-scale commerce.

Industry players argue that effective enforcement of existing regulations is critical to preserving opportunities for local entrepreneurs and sustaining jobs in the informal sector.

The planned measures are also expected to enhance coordination among key institutions, including immigration, local authorities and security agencies, to facilitate swift action against violations. Stakeholders believe that a coordinated approach will help reduce unlawful practices, strengthen investor discipline and support a more orderly trading environment.

Comments

NESCAFÉ Launches Real Vibes Text & Win Promo to Reward Coffee Consumers Across Ghana

NESCAFÉ has launched the Real Vibes Text & Win Promo, an exciting consumer promotion designed to reward loyal coffee lovers and bring the brand’s My Coffee, My Vibe experience even closer to consumers across the country. Running from September to December, the promotion gives consumers the opportunity to enjoy their favourite NESCAFÉ coffee while standing a chance to win exciting prizes, including phones, motorcycles, airtime and the ultimate grand prize—an electric SUV. Speaking at the launch, Lily Ntim, Category Development Manager for NESCAFÉ, said the promotion reflects NESCAFÉ’s commitment to creating, rewarding and memorable experiences for consumers. “Today, we are excited to introduce the NESCAFÉ Real Vibes Text & Win Promo, a campaign designed to bring the My Coffee, My Vibe experience even closer to our consumers,” she said. She added that the campaign is not only about prizes, but also about celebrating the everyday moments consumers enjoy with their coffee. “T...

Ghana Home Loans

With interest rates declining, a more liquid environment and a macroeconomic stability, mortgage financing is expected to see an ease of credit. And Ghana Home Loans being a leader in this industry is expected to lead the way. Ghana Home Loans (GHL), a leader in home mortgage, continues to be the frontier in fulfilling dreams of many Ghanaians in homeownership. Since starting business in 2006, it has also provided many existing homeowners with Equity Release mortgages to support their businesses, pay educational fees, improve their properties, or simply pursue other personal hobbies and interests. Ghana Home Loans is a mortgage finance institution which operates under Bank of Ghana’s supervision as a non-bank financial institution. At present, the Company remains the only such institution that focuses exclusively on the provision of mortgage product. Through the Home Completion mortgage and Home Construction mortgage products, Ghana Home Loans has enabled many qualified applican...

Tender Committee recommends E&P for Damang Mine lease transfer

A Tender Committee has recommended the grant of the mining lease for the Damang Gold Mine to Engineers and Planners Limited, following a competitive evaluation process conducted by the Minerals Commission. The recommendation comes after a tender process initiated under Regulation 258 of the Minerals and Mining (Licensing Regulations), 2012 (LI 2176), aimed at selecting a strategic investor to take over the mining lease and operations of the Damang mine. According to the report, four companies responded to the public tender announced in the media. Out of these, two firms were shortlisted by the Mineral Titles Department of the Minerals Commission and subsequently submitted to the Tender Committee for detailed assessment. After what was described as a comprehensive evaluation, Engineers and Planners Limited emerged as the highest evaluated bidder, leading to the Committee’s recommendation for the award of the lease. Gold Fields Ghana Limited, which has operated in the country since...

Kofi Ahovi

Search This Blog