Nigeria’s Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has visited Ghana with a high-powered delegation in a bid to restore diplomatic relations.
Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, was at the airport to welcome the delegation from Nigeria.
The two Speakers discussed implementation of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act 2013 (Act 865) as well as relations between their respective countries.
“Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Right Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, and a Nigerian delegation met Speaker Mike Oquaye of Ghana and a Ghanaian delegation for the first leg of talks to enhance Ghana-Nigeria relations amidst recent challenges,” Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Minister of Information, tweeted.
Two sides of the same coin
Professor Oquaye emphasised the need for Ghana and Nigeria to maintain good diplomatic relations.
He compared the relationship between the two West African countries to that of the tongue andteeth.
Professor Oquaye noted that although the pair may occasionally not agree on some issues, there is always great pleasure between them in fashioning a mutually beneficial coexistence.
He expressed the hope that the Nigerian delegation’s visit will be fruitful and foster a strong bond between Ghana and Nigeria.
Misconception
Femi Gbajabialamila said the delegation has concluded that Ghana has done no wrong against Nigerians.
In a meeting with President Akufo-Addo, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila said: “the issue at hand is basically a misconception and misinformation,” which he and his delegation had come to understand during their visit.
He identified what he sees as the origin of the misunderstanding: “The people, perhaps the media on both sides as well … As to what exactly is going on in Ghana as far as Nigerians are concerned, we have taken time to educate our people here about those misconceptions.
“We deliberated and resolved that whatever needs to be done on both sides, to make sure that this relationship remains the relationship it used to be and still is, we will do.”
Review of legislation
Speaker Gbajabiamila said he has suggested to the leaders of Ghana’s Parliament that they reconsider the current legislation, which imposes huge surcharges on foreigners who wish to trade in Ghana.
“We have appealed to Parliament that, if it is possible at all – and it is an appeal, if it is possible at all – to please look again at the issues as far as the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act is concerned …
“If it is not possible, then let us look at ways in which the pain can be a little bit reduced, or the difficulties in meeting those expectations espoused in the law can be reduced,” the Nigerian Speaker urged.
Ghana-Nigeria tensions
Tensions have been rising between the Ghanaian and Nigerian governments following the eviction of Nigerian retail traders from their shops in Ghana.
The demolition of parts of a property belonging to the Nigerian High Commission in Accra after a land dispute escalated matters.
Some weeks ago, the Nigerian government accused its counterpart in Ghana of harassing Nigerian citizens and threatened to retaliate.
Ghana rejected the accusations, insisting it was only applying its laws, which bar foreigners from engaging in retail trading.
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