Tobias Sylvester
The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANT) has raised an alarm over fresh clampdown on businesses over the $1million business equity imposed by the Ghanaian authorities.
The National President of NANTS, Ken Ukaoha, who raised the alarm during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, called on the Federal Government to take urgent action as Ghanaian authorities embarked on another round of closure of shops belonging to Nigerian traders on Monday.
Condemning the maltreatment of Nigerian traders by the host community, Ukaoha said that the entire process showed Ghana’s decision to undermine trade and economic integration process in the West African region.
He, therefore, urged the Federal Government to take immediate actions and urgently present the maltreatment of Nigerians in Ghana to the Council of Ministers and the Authority of Heads of State.
“As at today, November 30, the Ghanaian Authorities led by Security Agencies have started another round of closure of shops belonging to Nigerian traders in Ghana.
“The notice placed above the padlocks on each of the locked shops informs owners to come to their Ministry of Trade and Industry with evidence of payment of one million dollars.
“It is indeed a complete dent on the face of ECOWAS and a bold question, perhaps asking the Nigerian Government ‘What would you do?’ or ‘Do your worst!’.
“It’s indeed senseless that you asked a community to leave your space and while they’re preparing with their government on how to act on your demand, another round of closure is being effected.
“Ghana would definitely regret these war songs, knowing clearly that the rebound would hit strongly on her people and her economy, especially when Nigerians move out of the country with their business investments.
“Nigeria should, therefore, take immediate actions and urgently present this and the maltreatment of Nigerians in Ghana to the Council of Ministers and the Authority of Heads of State,” Ukaoha said.
KanyiDaily recalls that the traders had appealed to the Federal Government to start the process of evacuating them back to Nigeria while expressing their displeasure and insecurity of their wares and livelihoods in Ghana.
Two weeks ago, two Nigerian traders in Ghana reportedly attempted suicide over the $1million business equity imposed by the Ghanaian authorities.
