Nigerian traders in Ghana appeal for protection

The leadership of the National Union of Nigerian Traders Ghana (NUTAG) say they have picked information about plan attack on their members by their counterparts in Ghana; the Ghana Union Traders Association (GUTA) urging security agencies in Ghana to be proactive to save lives and properties

“We are taking their threat seriously because in recent times it seems that GUTA can do anything they like”, NUTAG president, Chief Chukwuemeka Nnaji revealed at a press conference held in Ghana’s capital.

“We called this press conference to alert the Ghana police of GUTA’S latest threat to take the laws into their hands as usual after one week of a pack out order they issued to us”, he added

GUTA earlier had warned all foreigners operating in the region to regularise their businesses or close shop though they claim to have co-exist peacefully and continue doing business with all foreigners but want foreign retailers to stay away from businesses specifically reserved for indigenes as spelt out in the Ghana Investment Promotion Company (GIPC) Law 2013, Act 865 Sections 27 and 28.

“They started by pressurizing every Government that comes to power to close the shops of our members. The closing of our shops in Ghana started in 2007 and these shops were not opened till 2009 after the change of Government”, the Nigerian traders bemoaned.

According them, the government of Ghana has through the office of the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Ministry stated that they move away from the market order that was issued then does not affect ECOWAS citizens, yet GUTA has continued to use the GIPC acts 865,article 27and 28 of 2013 to blackmail every Government in Ghana to close our members’ shops.

“The then [Ghana] Government issued us with an ultimatum to leave our rented shops which made us cry out to ECOWAS. After the intervention of ECOWAS the then Government issued a press statement stating that ECOWAS citizens are not among those that are asked to move away from the markets”

According to Chief Chukwuemeka Nnaji, their members have known no peace since 2007 by pressuring governments close shops in Ghana owned by foreigners, especially Nigerians.

“They started by pressurizing every Government that comes to power to close the shops of our members. The closing of our shops in Ghana started in 2007 and these shops were not opened till 2009 after the change of Government. Shortly after that GUTA went back to work”,

“We are [therefore] taking aback by the recent actions been undertaken by GUTA which is unlawful and forceful locking of our shops in Kumasi and some part of Accra especially opera square”, the Nigerian traders in Ghana expressed worries.

Source: Kwabena Danso-dapaah