Spare parts dealers at Abossey Okai in Accra have issued a warning to foreign nationals operating in the enclave to vacate their shops or risk being forcefully removed.
At a press conference on Monday, September 8, the traders insisted that the spare parts trade is legally reserved for Ghanaians and accused foreigners of violating investment laws by taking over spaces meant for locals.
Another dealer compared the situation to Nigeria, insisting that Ghana was failing to enforce its laws.
“You can’t just walk into a spare parts shop in Lagos and start business, you can’t. I’ve been there to buy spare parts. You only go there as a wholesaler, not as a retailer. Even before you start trading, the amount you pay for licensing is very high. It’s not that easy, and that’s why only a few can afford to do it. We also have the laws here in Ghana, but we are not using them,” he said.
The traders said they felt abandoned by leaders and trade associations who have failed to defend their interests.
“We are orphans in our own land. We have mothers and fathers. We are all Ghanaians, but we are orphans here because we don’t have any authority to fight for us. We don’t have senior people or association leaders to stand for us.
“They are always saying, ‘Come and register, come and register.’ But if I register and you cannot protect me, why should I register? Many people are ready to register for the association so they can generate revenue, but when we get into trouble, they cannot defend us. So we don’t bother to join,” another trader explained.
They further alleged that while Ghanaian traders are frequently harassed by tax authorities, foreigners continue to operate with little restriction. One trader shared his personal ordeal with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
“As soon as you give yourself to them, it’s like they’ve gotten you. The intimidation they bring is unbearable. Things you have not done, they will accuse you of doing, especially with VAT issues and other matters. I have suffered a lot at their hands.
“Finally, I had to close my shop and relocate. It has been almost five years since I stopped operating, yet the GRA still keeps calling me. They never come to ask if I need help. They don’t care. But the moment I try to make a little capital, then they will come after me,” he said.
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