Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association Orders Foreign Retailers to Halt Operations
The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has issued a directive requiring all foreign nationals engaged in retail business within the Abossey Okai spare parts market to cease operations immediately. According to the Association this move is in line with Ghana’s investment laws, particularly the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act which restricts foreign nationals from engaging in retail trade in Ghana.
In a press release issued on Saturday, 7th September 2025, and widely circulated through the media outlet mrwoode.com, the Association announced that from Monday, 8th September to Wednesday, 10th September 2025, all shops operated by foreign retailers must remain closed. The directive also instructed affected individuals to report to the Association’s office for further engagement.
Speaking in an interview with mrwoode.com, the President of the Association, Hon. Mr. Henry Okyere Jnr, clarified that the directive is not meant to target or harm foreign nationals. Instead, it seeks to enforce compliance with Ghana’s investment laws which specify that foreign nationals are only permitted to operate wholesale businesses, not retail outlets.
We don’t hate any foreign nationals who are doing business in Ghana, Mr. Okyere stated. But they must comply with the laws of the land. The GIPC Act clearly prohibits foreigners from engaging in retail trade. They are supposed to supply goods to Ghanaian retailers not compete with them by selling directly to consumers.
Despite the clear directive and public announcements made throughout the market on Monday morning, the Association expressed disappointment that some foreign retailers ignored the order and opened their shops later in the day.
The Association’s Director of Communications, Benjamen Takyi Addo confirmed that the leadership conducted a market patrol in the afternoon and found several shops owned by foreign nationals operating in defiance of the order.
In addition to addressing foreign retailers, Mr. Okyere issued a stern warning to Ghanaian citizens who assist or front for foreign nationals engaged in retail trading. He stated that such acts are also illegal and those found guilty will face legal consequences.
We are not going to allow any Ghanaian to be used as a cover for illegal retail trade. If you are aiding foreigners to flout our laws, the law will catch up with you as well,” he warned.
The Association has given a grace period until Wednesday, 10th September 2025, for all foreign retailers to comply. After this period, any foreign national found operating a retail shop within the spare parts market will be subjected to legal action, in collaboration with relevant government agencies.
The Association has called on all stakeholders, including law enforcement and regulatory bodies to support the enforcement of the GIPC laws to ensure a fair and lawful business environment in Ghana.
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