The Trade and Industry Ministry says it will go ahead and evict all foreigners operating in retail markets illegally in the coming days.

Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Murtala Muhammed, in an interview with Joy Business said the ministry is not denying foreigners the opportunity to do business in Ghana but is ensuring that laws in the country are strictly adhered to.

“There has been continuous education and sensitisation letting them understand that we are not denying them the opportunity to engage in business in Ghana but the law stipulates the kind of businesses they can engage in and that is what we want to ensure happens”.

He said the ministry will ensure that foreigners respect laws governing businesses in the country and that it will not hesitate in punishing any foreigner who engages in illegal business.

The Ministry in a public notice last month directed foreigners operating in these markets to relocate in 30 days or be prosecuted.

This country's investment laws bar foreigners from operating in these areas unless they invest 1 million dollars and employ about 20 Ghanaians.

According to the Deputy Minister, the ministry is currently monitoring the foreigners in order to establish the level of compliance with the directive before the eviction exercise.

He however adds that, the new Trade and Industry Minister, Ekow Spio Gabrah in consultation with the Attorney General is expected to take a final decision how the action should be carried out.