We have not banned Ghanaian products in Nigeria- Nigerian Ambassador

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September 9, 2015 10:53 AM

Ghanaian traders are up in arms against President Mahama's decision to freely permit Nigerian traders in the Ghanaian retail sector. According to them, Nigeria has consistently banned Ghanaian products from its own markets.

Adebola Oluseyi Onaafokan, Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana

The Nigerian government has refuted accusations by Ghanaian traders that it consistently bans Ghanaian exports from Nigeria.

The Ghana Union of Traders Association- GUTA Tuesday, declared utter displeasure about President Mahama's decision to allow Nigerian Traders to operate in the retail sector of the Ghanaian economy without adherence to the Ghana Investment Promotion Council's$300,000 capital requirement.

According to the traders' association, the president's decision is in contravention of the existing GIPC law, which is still in full operation.

Their other argument is that contrary to the intra-trade goals that president Mahama wants to achieve in the West African sub region, the Nigerian government consistently bans Ghanaian exports from their country. GUTA therefore does not see why such courtesies should be afforded Nigerian retailers in Ghana.

The Nigerian high-commissioner, Adebola Oluseyi Onaafokan to Ghana has however, debunked that assertion, labelling it as untrue.

His Excellency Adebola Oluseyi Onaafokan however stressed that there are restrictions against products produced in third countries which are merely being transported from Ghana or any other West African country, then that will not be allowed in Nigeria.

the ambassador stressed.

Meanwhile, the Director of the Private Enterprises Federation, has described the decision by government to permit Nigerian traders in the retail sector without adhering to the requirements of the GIPC ACT as illegal. The president is not above the law, and needs to respect the law.

The Ecowas Intra-Trade Protocols are aimed at allowing all citizens of West African countries to freely live, move and work in the West African sub-region.

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