FG describes action against Nigerian traders in Ghana as painful, promises to take ‘urgent steps’

The federal government says urgent steps will be taken over reports of closure of shops run by Nigerian traders in Ghana.

A video had trended on social media platforms over the weekend showing Ghanaian authorities closing the shops of Nigerian traders, despite the presentation of documents by the traders showing proof that they are allowed to run businesses in the country.

The video had generated criticism against the Ghanaian government, with traders asking the Nigerian authorities to intervene.

Chukwuemeka Nnaji, president of the Nigerian Traders Union in Ghana, had explained that shops belonging to the traders were locked up by Ghanaian authorities who demanded evidence of their Ghana Investment Promotion Council (GIPC) registration.

The requirement for GIPC registration is $1 million minimum foreign equity, while registration fee is 31,500 cedis.

However, Boakye Boateng, head of communications, Ghana’s ministry of trade, during an interview with Starrfm, a Ghanaian radio nation, had said it would be unfair of the Nigerian traders to complain of insensitivity because the ministry had given them enough time to pay the fee.

Commenting on the issue via a tweet on Monday, Geoffrey Onyeama, minister of foreign affairs, said the federal government will take urgent steps to address the situation.

“Nigerian government has watched with dismay the painful videos of the forceful closure of the shops of Nigerian traders in Ghana. Urgent steps will be taken,” Onyeama wrote.

Nigerian Government has watched with dismay the painful videos of the forceful closure of the shops of Nigerian traders in #Ghana. Urgent steps will be taken. #StayHomeSaveLives #COVID19 @NigeriaGov @DigiCommsNG @ecowas_cedeao

— Geoffrey Onyeama (@GeoffreyOnyeama) August 17, 2020