Traders of Nigerian origin in Accra are calling on the Federal Government to come to their aid as their shops remain shut to business for over 10 months despite promises to look into the misunderstanding that exists between them and Ghanaian authorities.
The plea was made when the traders took their protest to the Nigerian High Commission in Accra, the Ghanaian capital.
President of the Nigeria Union of Traders Association in Ghana, Chukwuemeka Nnaji says their shops should be reopened so that they can go back to their normal businesses. The traders say the Nigerian Government should evacuate them if a truce cannot be reached with the authorities in Ghana.
Also Read: FG will ensure Nigerian traders in Ghana get justice – Osinbajo
Nigeria’s Charge De Affairs in Ghana, Esther Arewa assured that the two governments will meet again and find a lasting solution to the crisis.
In August 2020, shops belonging to Nigerian traders in Accra were locked up by Ghanaian authorities. An inter-ministerial task force on August 10 identified shops owned by Nigerian traders and requested for registration of business taxes, resident permit, standard control, and 1 million Ghana Investment Promotion Council (GIPC) registration as a prerequisite for reopening the businesses.
But after series of intervention by Nigeria’s Minister Of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, and the Speaker of the House Of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila promises were made by the Ghanaian authorities to open the shops, a promise that has remained unfulfilled till date.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
