China malls are too many in Ghana, they are taking over our markets – GUTA President cries to gov’t
The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has appealed to the government to tighten oversight of Chinese-owned shopping centres, accusing them of gaining an unfair advantage over locally established retailers.
GUTA President Clement Boateng said the rapid establishment of these commercial outlets nationwide was threatening the survival of Ghanaian-owned enterprises.
Speaking in a video circulated by Edhub on X, Mr Boateng identified the growing number of Chinese-operated malls as a major concern for domestic merchants.
He alleged that foreign retailers had captured more than 60 per cent of the country’s retail business, leaving local entrepreneurs with fewer customers and declining sales.
Mr Boateng expressed surprise at the authorities’ apparent failure to address the situation, insisting that the unchecked expansion of these establishments was worsening competition for indigenous shopkeepers.
He therefore urged state institutions to investigate their activities and introduce appropriate measures to protect Ghanaian businesses.
The GUTA leader’s remarks have renewed discussions about foreign participation in Ghana’s retail sector and the need to safeguard locally owned commercial enterprises.
However, the claim that Chinese-owned malls control over 60 per cent of the market remains GUTA’s estimate and has not been independently verified.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong