The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has called on government to ensure effective enforcement of laws that govern foreign trade in the country.

National Welfare Chairman of the Association, Benjamin Yeboah, explained that going by the laws will allow proper regulation of trade and sanitisation of the country’s market.

“Luckily for Ghana we have a law promulgated by Parliament; the Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC) Act which states categorically what a foreigner should do when he or she comes into the country. It’s been flouted all these years,” he said.

He explained that previously, foreign traders were only permitted to off-load goods to local traders who take up further trade activities.

But now, foreign traders have taken up local trade activities; opening retail shops and taking part in active direct trading.

The Nigerian government began closing its borders in August in an operation they term ‘Exercise Swift Response’.

The operation according to the Buhari government was to check the smuggling of illegal goods in the country.

The border closure, however, has affected many trade deals of its neighbours including Ghana.

Drivers who carry goods through the border have been stuck on either side for about three months. 

This closure has reportedly cost Ghana’s largest local beverage manufacturer, Kasapreko, $2 million.

Responding to the development, Mr Yeboah said Nigeria as one country that is effectively enforcing its trade laws.

According to him, Nigeria has been efficient with providing and enforcing laws that will serve the interest of local manufacturers and traders.

The National Welfare Chairman of GUTA used the recent shut down of the Nigerian-Benin Border as an example.

He advised leaders of the country to take up such measures which seek to protect the interest of Ghanaian traders.

“In Nigeria, it’s Nigeria first”, he stated.

Local traders have been agitated over the recent shutdown of the Nigerian-Benin border as they explain that the act has grossly affected trade.

According to them, the act has led to trade activities becoming dormant.

Although Nigeria has explained that the act is to check massive smuggling activities taking place in the country.