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Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, has pledged to take firm action against Chinese businesses operating in Ghana’s retail sector should the New Patriotic Party (NPP) secure victory in the upcoming December 2024 elections.
He made this statement while rallying support for NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia during a campaign event on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.
Agyapong’s promise is a response to the increasing concerns raised by local traders about foreign influence in the Ghanaian market. Many local businesses have struggled to compete with foreign retailers, particularly Chinese-owned businesses, leading to frustration within the local trading community.
The Assin Central MP expressed his commitment to enforcing the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act, which reserves the retail sector for Ghanaians.
“What the Chinese are expected to do is wholesaling and not engage in the commercial or retail market. We won’t allow them to do it,” Agyapong stated.
Agyapong urged market women and local traders to vote for Bawumia, promising that the NPP would protect local businesses and improve their livelihoods.
He emphasised that Chinese nationals would be restricted to wholesale operations only, with retail remaining exclusively for Ghanaians.
He also advised Dr. Bawumia’s running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, against opposing his stance in the future should the NPP win power in the December 2024 elections.
“And as I have said before, I will walk my talk, so Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh will be courageous because once I do it, the media will misreport my deeds and cause panic amongst the NPP. We have to empower our own citizens,” he added.
The NPP has outlined several policies to support local businesses if it wins the 2024 elections. Dr. Bawumia has proposed the establishment of an SME Bank to provide targeted financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which employ over 80% of Ghanaians.
Other proposals include a flat-rate tax system to simplify taxation for all income levels and create a business-friendly environment aimed at fostering economic growth.
Source: tigpost
