Nigerian Traders Cry Foul

The Nigerian Union of Traders' Associations in Ghana (NUTAG) has noted that the recent closure of shops owned by Nigerians and the subsequent seizure of Nigerian passports by Ghanaian authorities had nothing to do with their failure to obey the laws of Ghana.

They allege that the sinister motive of crippling their businesses, which run into over ¢100billion, was being masterminded by Mr. Joseph Obeng, chairman of the Ghana Electrical Association and at the same time national coordinator of the Ghana Union of Traders' Associations (GUTA).

According to them, Obeng took offence with NUTAG because the members refused to join GUTA in a demonstration against some government policies.

These and other revelations came up at a press conference in Accra yesterday, in reaction to the closure of retail shops owned by foreigners.

In a release signed by the association's executive secretary, Jasper Emenike, NUTAG stressed that the attempt to threaten and deprive them of legitimate business is a gross contravention of the ECOWAS protocol, and therefore called on President Kufuor to wade into the matter.

The executive secretary said it was strange that Ghana, a country that is highly-rated on the good governance scale would mete out such treatment to Nigerians legally residing in Ghana.

They claim the GUTA boss had connived with a few institutions to run away from debts they owe Nigerian traders, adding that there is a grand design to frustrate them and take over their shops, offices and warehouses.

“He has succeeded in using his position in GUTA to attract and align with the Ghana Investment Promotion Council (GIPC) and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Private Sector Development, with the sole purpose of blocking over ¢50 billion of debt, which they owe our members over goods they supplied them,” the association claimed.

The members called for an explanation for the seizure of their passports, which is the property of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

NUTAG recalled how on 14th November, 2007 GUTA, with the advice and support of Hon. Nana Akomea, Manpower, Youth and Employment Minister, organized what they called an 'occultic demonstration' purposely aimed at drawing the attention of the Ghanaian Parliament to pass a law that forbids foreigners from exercising their freedom of trade and business transactions.

“We want to seriously appeal to the authorities involved to clearly tell us whether the ECOWAS Protocol Treaty, which permits indigenes of member states to enter, reside and establish businesses are no more in existence,” they demanded.

Asked whether they had any intention to visit mayhem on Ghanaians resident in Nigeria to reciprocate what they allege is being meted out to them, the executive answered in the negative, saying citizens of the two countries are brothers.

They explained that they are law-abiding people and would not indulge in any criminal activity.

“We have all along tried to obey the laws of Ghana and paid every tax expected of us, including those to VAT and IRS. Our only problem is with the Investment Code, which is not applicable to ECOWAS citizens. We must be exempted from the $300,000 initial capital clause,” they concluded.

Over 200 NUTAG members were at the press conference. Many of them deal in electronics, vehicle spare parts, second-hand clothing and cosmetics.

By Bennett Akuaku