The Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Mr. Simon Madjie, has urged stronger collaboration and consistent enforcement to eliminate the practice of fronting in Ghana’s retail trade.

Addressing members of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) during a high-level engagement in Accra, Mr. Madjie described fronting as a “serious threat” to fair competition and legal compliance.

He stressed that dealing with the practice requires a united and sustained national effort.

He also acknowledged concerns over the growing presence of foreign traders operating in spaces legally reserved for Ghanaians, reiterating that retail trade remains a protected sector under Ghanaian law.

According to him, the GIPC is committed to safeguarding local businesses and livelihoods.

Mr. Madjie further reassured traders that President John Mahama is fully committed to their welfare and would not endorse any policy that undermines their economic participation.

On his part, the President of GUTA, Mr. Joseph Obeng, commended the GIPC for its proactive approach, describing the engagement as the first by a government agency since the change in administration.

He said the gesture signalled a strong commitment to addressing the concerns of traders.