By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Tensions are rising at Abossey Okai, Accra’s biggest spare parts hub, after local traders issued a one-week ultimatum for foreign nationals to vacate their shops or risk being forced out.
At a press conference on September 8, the Ghanaian spare parts dealers argued that retail trade is legally reserved for locals under the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act. They accused foreigners of flouting the law and “taking over spaces meant for Ghanaians”.
But the ultimatum has drawn sharp reactions.Some nationals, including Nigerian traders in the enclave who have been operating in Ghana for years, insist they are being unfairly targeted. Social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM), who has been investigating the dispute, revealed that some Ghanaian dealers had previously failed to meet wholesale commitments to their Nigerian counterparts, sparking resentment.
“I was told some Ghanaian suppliers took money from Nigerians for bulk deals but failed to deliver. That’s why Nigerians turned to retailing directly. It’s not simply about disobeying the law,” VDM explained in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter).
One Nigerian trader also rejected claims that they were undercutting prices.
“We don’t sell cheap. Our goods are original. People come to us because they trust the quality. If Ghanaians want us out, they should first address the failed supply chains that pushed us into retail.”
Meanwhile, Ghanaian traders maintain that their livelihoods are under siege.
“We are orphans in our own land. When we face harassment from tax authorities, nobody defends us. But foreigners are left to operate freely. If this continues, we will take the law into our own hands,” one dealer lamented.
Analysts warn that the clash risks straining Ghana–Nigeria relations, which have historically been tested by similar trade disputes. The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has often cited Section 27 of the GIPC Act, which restricts retail trading to Ghanaians, though enforcement has been inconsistent.
The Ghana Immigration Service and the Ministry of Trade are yet to officially comment on the ultimatum, but security has been heightened around Abossey Okai to prevent escalation.
One Response
I Think the problem here is just trust issues, the Law allowing Ghanaians to take up the retail trade isn’t a bad one and Nigerian Supply chain isn’t contesting the law.
The problem is that , some Ghanaian traders go to the wholesalers which are majorly Nigerians to get goods on credit and they fail to repay and this actions ties down Capital of the investor.
For instance, If I give you goods worth Ghc50,000 and you sell off the goods but refuse to remit the money, should I go ahead and give you another goods while yet to recover proceeds of the first transaction? Nobody will do that.
This is what majority of the Wholesalers complained to VDM and the retailers know the Truth. And this is what made the wholesalers to break the chain (which I know ignorance to to law is not an excuse). The traders should also report to GUTA how they have been absconding with monies and not repaying the wholesalers on time..so the blames is both sides.
The whole saga is just focused on Nigerians while using the word FOREIGN NATIONALS as a camouflage, this is what has broken down the trust.
So the both complaints from both parties should be resolved amicably, Retailers endeavor to pay the wholesalers after collecting goods on credit and the wholesalers don’t sell to any other person apart from the retailers and Problem is solved.
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE CHINESE ENGAGING IN RETAIL? NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT IT OR IS IT BECAUSE OF THE SKIN COLOUR???