The President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Clement Boateng, has criticised both sides of Parliament of Ghana, accusing lawmakers of creating conditions that allow foreign businesses to dominate sectors meant for local entrepreneurs.

Addressing members of the Minority Caucus, Mr. Boateng said successive governments have failed to adequately protect key areas of the economy from external control. He highlighted the increasing involvement of foreign investors—particularly from China—in sectors traditionally reserved for Ghanaians, including retail trade, construction, mining, finance, telecommunications, and small-scale commerce.

According to him, the growing presence of foreign operators in these sectors has displaced many indigenous businesses, pushing local entrepreneurs to the margins of the economy.

He also raised concerns about the environmental impact of such activities, especially in the mining sector, where he said the involvement of foreign players has contributed to the pollution of critical water bodies.

Mr. Boateng further criticised what he described as weak enforcement of regulatory laws, specifically referencing the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act, which is intended to protect local participation in certain sectors but is often not fully implemented.

He cautioned that many politicians who are also involved in business may eventually face the same challenges they are failing to address once they leave public office and return to private enterprise.