Again, Ghanaian trade union lock-up 50 shops belonging to Nigerians

Some traders whose shops have been locked in the Kasoa in the Awutu Senya East District of the Central Region of Ghana by the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) for more than three days have sought the intervention of the government on the matter.

The affected traders who spoke to the local news portal Citinewsroom alleged that they are targeted for such exercises while the other foreign nationals are freed.

The Nigerian traders who are members of the Nigerian Union of Traders Association (NUTA) lament that their shops have been locked for more than three days now which makes it difficult for them to cope.

They say that the reason for the closure of their shops was not disclosed by the joint team of police, military coupled with the leadership of GUTA that led the operations.

They also lament the harsh economic condition they are going through as a result of their shops being locked.

“We asked them the reason for the exercise, and they told us that they are from the Ghana Union of Traders Association and that we are supposed to report to the Ministry of Trade and Industry if we want our shops to be opened. The notice placed on my shop has the inscription that they are here to deal with foreigners, but interestingly they are only dealing with Nigerians and no other foreigners. And I find it hard to understand because Ghana and Nigeria are brothers and this shouldn’t happen,” Christian Ameh, a Nigerian trader told Citi News.

Chukwu another trader who spoke to Citinewsroom lamented the hardship he is going through as a result of his shop being locked.

According to him, the harsh economic condition currently is making his situation difficult.

“I am a family man, and how do you expect me and my family to cope now that our shop which is the only source of livelihood has been locked? I know Ghana and Nigeria are brothers and brothers don’t live this way.”

“The team which comprised some police, military and leadership of GUTA are the ones involved in this exercise, “Chukwu said.

Citi News observed that some notices have been placed on the shops that have been affected directing the affected persons to the Ministry of Trade and Industry for redress.

It also urged them to come along with their business operating permit, tax receipts, tenancy agreement, and business registration certificate among others.

Chairman of the Nigerian Community in the Central Region. Sir Dr. Chukuemaka Azebuike gave a breakdown of the genesis of the matter while calling on the two government to collaborate to resolve the matter.

According to him, the matter has been lingering since 2019 where Nigerian shops were locked at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and have not been opened since.



NBA