Engagements between authorities in Ghana and Nigeria on retail trade impasse laudable, says Ihenetu
Last year, the Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives led a delegation to Ghana on a fact-finding mission over challenges with trade relations between the two countries
His Royal Majesty Eze Dr Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, head of the Nigerian Igbo community in Ghana has lauded the decision by the governments of Ghana and Nigeria to explore solutions to the impasse between Ghanaian traders and their Nigerian counterparts over participation in the local retail markets.
The federal government of Nigeria is expected to send a ministerial delegation to Ghana on 31 May 2021 to help resolve the outstanding dispute.
Tensions have been rising recently between the Ghanaian and Nigerian governments following the eviction of Nigerian retail traders from their shops in Ghana.
But speaking to Asaase Business, Dr Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu said looking at the extent of mutual benefit Nigerians and Ghanaians, enjoy exploring a win-win solution is the best way to go.
He said, “We foreigners living in Ghana, we are happy here and Ghanaians patronise our goods a lot. Doing business in Ghana is good.
“Some Ghanaians are sceptical of competition in business but you must know that the only thing that will let you be strong in business is when you engage in competition…”
Ihenetu said, “I think the way forward would be for the two countries to go into a bilateral relationship that will favour both countries…Nigeria and Ghana are the pillars of West Africa and both countries benefit a lot from each other. So if we don’t understand all these benefits it will be difficult for us to solve the situation.”
He decried the harsh stance taken by the Ghana Union Trade Association (GUTA) against Nigerian retail traders in the country.
Ihenetu added, “If the pressure coming from the Ghana Union of Trade Association (GUTA) against Nigerians living here the government agrees with them on this and Nigerians quit the country, the government will also loose revenue.
He said even though he will not advocate local authorities to amend laws in their favour, he appealed for such laws to be implemented with a human face.
“I cannot tell Ghanaians to change their laws just because of us but I will urge them to temper justice with mercy.”
Listen to the full interview below:
Meanwhile, the Ghana Immigration Service says it is currently dialoguing with other stakeholders to deal with the impasse between local retail traders and their counterparts from other West African countries.
Superintendent Amoako Atta, the public relations officer of the Ghana Immigration Service said a lasting solution will be dependent on how to harmonize the existing ECOWAS protocols and local trading laws.
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