Nigerian traders face eviction in Ghana

Already, the Trade and Industry minister, Dr. Ekow Spio Gabrah, is said to be in consultation with the Attorney-General on modalities for the implementation of the eviction order issued to all non-Ghanaian traders.
President of Nigerian Union of Traders Association in Ghana (NUTAG), Elder John Ukala, said there are about 10,000 Nigerians engaged in various trading activities in the country.
He described the decision of the host country as too stringent.
Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Murtala Mohammed, who restated the decision in Accra yesterday, insisted that it was not intended to prejudice anybody but was designed to ensure the sanctity of Ghanaian laws.
About 48 markets nationwide were listed as designated markets reserved exclusively for Ghanaians.
He said there has been continuous education and sensitization that they are not denying the traders opportunity to engage in business but the law stipulates the kind of businesses they can engage in.
According to the deputy minister, the government would insist on the implementation of her local legislations and would not hesitate to prosecute anyone who flouts them.
The ministry in a public notice last month gave a 30 day ultimatum to all non-Ghanaians operating in their retail markets to relocate or be prosecuted.
The country’s investment law precludes foreigners from operating in their designated markets unless they invested one million dollars and employed 20 Ghanaians.
The deputy minister affirmed that the ministry was currently monitoring the level of compliance by the foreign traders before the task force commenced work.