The Nigerian Union of Traders Association Ghana (NUTAG) has appealed to government to intervene in the trade war between NUTAG and the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA).
According to the union, the misunderstanding had adversely affected trading activities between the two countries.
Addressing a press conference in Accra yesterday, the President of NUTAG, Mr Emelia Nnaji said “GUTA has not allowed us to have peace of mind in this country for some time now and it is very sad because they keep insisting we leave the markets. We do not want a situation where Nigerians will also start attacking Ghanaians doing business in Nigeria in retaliation just as it happened in South Africa recently.
“We are all brothers and so we are here for peace, let us work in harmony as true Africans,” he said.
He described the recent attack by members of GUTA as unlawful, saying forcefully locking of shops of NUTAG members was a sign of intolerance and wickedness.
The government of Ghana, he said had through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration clearly stated that the “move away from the market” order that was issued did not affect ECOWAS citizens.
“GUTA is using all manner of propaganda to ensure we are sacked from this country. We are being accused of selling substandard goods, not paying duties and smuggling, among other accusations. Any time a Nigerian commits a crime in Ghana, GUTA will use it as an excuse to put us out of business,” he lamented.
According to Mr Nnaji NUTAG would not take it lightly should anything happen to its members, adding that the leadership of GUTA would be held responsible.
He further expressed disappointment in the police for not making any arrest after some Ghanaian traders illegally locked the shops of Nigerian traders in Kumasi and Accra.
This he said had emboldened perpetrators to continue harassing NUTAG members.
Scrapping the non citizen identification card for ECOWAS citizens, he stressed was very crucial and mentioned that GUTA was not doing Ghanaians any good by their “unnecessary hostilities towards our members considering the age-long relationship between Ghana and Nigeria.”
BY AGNES OPOKU SARPONG
