Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers back GIPC reform
The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has declared its full support for the planned transition of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) into the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA).
Speaking to Zed News, the Association’s Director of Communication, Mr Takyi Addo, said the move would strengthen the institution’s mandate and empower it with prosecutorial powers to regulate trade more effectively.
“The current Act is weak because the Centre cannot prosecute or enforce the law. But when it becomes an Authority, we believe real change will happen. Within the next two to three years, we expect to see significant improvements,” he said.
Mr Addo noted that the spare parts dealers have long been concerned about the growing influx of foreign traders into the local market, stressing that the government must act to protect Ghanaian businesses.
“We don’t hate foreigners; they are our brothers and sisters. But the law is the law, and it must work. The government must decide who qualifies to trade. If they qualify, we have no problem. If not, then the law must take its course,” he indicated.
Mr Addo explained that the Association is currently compiling data on the number of foreign nationals operating within the Abossey Okai enclave and other markets, which will be submitted to the Authority and the Ministry.
“Our target is to gather accurate data so that the government can act effectively. Without proper information, committees and task forces cannot achieve results. This data will make the work easier for the government,” he emphasised.
The Association’s Director of Communication clarified also that recent shop closures in the market were not illegal, explaining that traders were only asked to close temporarily while data was being collected.
“We did not force anyone or use padlocks. We only appealed to them to close their shops for the exercise. The shops will be reopened tomorrow,” he added.
The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association insisted that the transition of the GIPC into an Authority is crucial, as the current law has been in existence for over 24 years without giving the institution enough powers to regulate trade.
