By Enock Akonnor (Managing Editor) enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
In an explosive confrontation with the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), the Kumasi Mayor has vowed to break open all foreign-owned shops illegally locked by the association on Wednesday.
Speaking on Ezra FM Thursday morning, the Mayor, Hon. Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi said GUTA had crossed a dangerous line.
“If they want my cooperation, they should open the shops, else I will break every lock and key they have placed on them.”
“GUTA Has No Power. This Is Illegal”
The Mayor did not hold back, declaring GUTA’s action unconstitutional, unjustified, and an outright abuse of power.
He accused the group of behaving like a parallel government by storming areas around Adum, Adehyeman, and the Kejetia Market to shut down shops belonging mostly to Nigerian traders dealing in mobile phone accessories.
“GUTA is just an association. They cannot wake up and enforce laws they have no mandate to enforce,” he stressed.
Shops Closed Without Notice, Journalists Blocked
What has angered many further is the total lack of transparency surrounding the operation.
Foreign traders said they received no notice. Journalists were also blocked from filming the exercise, fueling suspicion that GUTA knew their actions would not withstand legal scrutiny.
Mayor Confronts GUTA, Proposes State-Led Committee
After the illegal operation, the Mayor disclosed in the interview that he met GUTA officials and pushed for the creation of a legitimate enforcement committee made up of the Police, KMA, GUTA, Ghana Customs, GIPC, and other state bodies.
He said such a committee would ensure that foreign traders receive lawful notice, specifically pointing to December 9, 2025 as a potential deadline for foreigners engaged in retail to cease operations.
GUTA Defies Mayor’s Order to Reopen Shops
In a bold act of defiance, the Mayor disclosed that at the meeting, GUTA ignored his direct order to reopen the shops.
“They did not give me the respect by reopening the shops,” he said, renewing his threat on air.
His firm pushback has earned praise from sections of the public who say his remarks defend rule of law over mob-style enforcement.
Foreign Traders Furious: “Where Were the Authorities?”
Affected traders mainly Nigerians expressed anger and disbelief, questioning why a mass closure targeting foreigners did not involve GRA, Customs, Immigration, or GIPC, the agencies legally mandated to regulate their stay and business activities.
Source; www.leakyGhana.com
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
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✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
