Expert urges protection for Ghana’s traders amid AfCFTA free prade Push
International trade consultant Louis Yaw Afful has underscored that while the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to boost intra-African commerce, Ghana must not compromise the legal safeguards protecting its indigenous retail and service sectors.
Speaking in a media interview, Mr Afful said the AfCFTA framework encourages free trade across the continent but does not override national laws that reserve certain economic activities for native Ghanaians.
“The AfCFTA framework encourages trade between countries, but it does not compel Ghana to liberalise sectors reserved for native traders,” he emphasised.
Foreign Fronting Concerns
His remarks follow rising public concern about the influx of foreign traders, particularly Nigerians, into small-scale retail and service businesses earmarked for Ghanaians.
Many reportedly use “fronts,” registering firms in local names while retaining control of operations. This practice skirts Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) rules and threatens to displace local entrepreneurs.
Mr Afful warned that weak enforcement and poor coordination among regulatory agencies have created loopholes that foreign operators exploit.
The problem is compounded by a blurred line between trade and investment laws, causing uncertainty about which sectors fall under GIPC jurisdiction versus the Ministry of Trade.
Legislative Action on the Way
The trade expert pointed to the upcoming GIPC amendment bill, which aims to define reserved sectors more clearly, tighten investment definitions, and impose stiffer sanctions on violators.
“Once the amendment is passed into law, it will provide the legal teeth needed to enforce the rules and prevent foreign traders from operating through Ghanaian fronts,” he noted.
Balance Between Integration and Protection
Mr Afful stressed that trade liberalisation must coexist with robust national policies to safeguard indigenous businesses. He urged collaboration between regulators, trade associations, and border agencies to ensure fair competition.
“Trade integration is important, but it must coexist with national policies that safeguard the rights and opportunities of local businesses,” he said, cautioning that failure to enforce laws could undermine AfCFTA’s goals and erode livelihoods in Ghana’s retail and service sectors.
By reinforcing domestic protections while embracing continental trade, Mr Afful believes Ghana can harness AfCFTA’s benefits without sacrificing opportunities for its own citizens.
