By Anthony Areh
The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), has called for quick intervention to stop violation of rights and property of Nigerians by Ghanaians and rising tension between the countries.
Dr Ken Ukaoha, the Secretariat President made the call on Monday in Abuja in a statement entitled, “De-escalating the Rising Tension between Ghana and Nigeria”.
Ukaoha was reacting to the demolition of Nigerian High Commission’s property in Accra, Ghana, by a Ghanaian who reportedly claimed ownership of the land where the property was situated.
“According to the security men on site, the diplomatic property in question is located about five minutes away from a Police Station, and the operation was carried out by a bulldozer without Police intervention despite being contacted early,” he noted.
Ukaoha expressed regret that for many years, Nigerian traders transacting business in Ghana were repeatedly molested, harassed, intimidated and had their businesses locked or goods confiscated by Ghanaian authorities.
He said that had persisted in spite of interventions from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, the ECOWAS Parliament and diplomatic mediations and interface between the two countries.
“In all these, Ghana has willfully insisted on ‘crushing’ the businesses of Nigerians residing and investing in the economy.
“Moreso, courtesy of the tacit backing of Ghanaian Government, Ghanaian traders under the auspices of Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), had given ultimatum to Nigerians to vacate their business premises and locations and leave Ghana.
“But the authorities have also failed to caution, reprimand or apprehend these usurpers.
“GUTA has been surreptitiously emboldened by Ghana Police and immigration authorities to lock up the businesses of Nigerians unhindered.
“Till date, over 600 shops belonging to Nigerian traders have been under lock and key in Ghana since Dec. 1, 2019 in spite of all entreaties and interventions,” Ukaoha said.
He recalled that as a body, NANTS had equally written officially and severally to the respective Governments, including ECOWAS Commission, ECOWAS Parliament, African Union and United Nations on various episodes, now escalating to a possible diplomatic row.
Ukaoha further recalled that it had at a time embarked on demonstration at the ECOWAS Commission and the Ghanaian High Commission in Abuja for intervention and final solution to the brewing crises.
“Regrettably, we make bold to blame the countries (Ghana and Nigeria), ECOWAS, the AU and the Global community for not acting enough to address this negative trend.
“It is sad that such unwarranted attack and xenophobia is brewing and the world is watching helplessly or perhaps enjoying the drama which may end tragically.
“We note a new trend that although Nigerians are not saints, but almost on
daily basis, Nigerians living in Ghana are being labelled criminals even for crimes committed and confessed to by Ghanaian citizens to blackmail Nigerians, he said
The expert further noted that NANTS observed that such vituperation were always subtly followed by a diplomatic press release as an afterthought suggestive of and resembling a ‘bite and blow’ strategy.
He, however, criticised the demolition, adding that it was clear violation of extant provisions of International Conventions by the Ghanaian Authorities in many explorations including her subtle action and inaction, particularly over the demolition.
“The Ghanaian authorities are complicit, having violated key provisions of Article 1 (i) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1949) which specifically recognises the Nigerian High Commission in Accra, as the premises of the Nigerian State,” he noted.
