President of the Nigerian Union of Traders Association Ghana (NUTAG), Evaristus Chukwuduruo Nwankwo, has called for calm and constructive dialogue amid recent tensions surrounding the closure of shops operated by Nigerian traders in the Abossey Okai enclave.
Speaking on Happy 98.9 FM’s Morning Show with host Kwadwo Sefah Danquah, Nwankwo clarified that the two-day closure of shops was a voluntary gesture by Nigerian traders to allow the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association to conduct an internal exercise.
“Our people willingly accepted the request,” he explained, stressing that the move was one of cooperation, not confrontation.
Nwankwo, however, expressed concern over media reports suggesting that Nigerian shops were forcibly locked up and ultimatums issued.
“The press is now saying the Abossey Okai traders locked up shops belonging to foreigners, mainly Nigerians, and issued ultimatums. That’s not the truth,” he said.
He confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the leadership of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) and urged all parties to seek a “middle of the way” resolution.
On the wider issue of trade rights within ECOWAS, Nwankwo pointed out what he described as unfair treatment of fellow West African citizens.
.“The passport I use is the same as yours. The only difference is mine says Federal Republic of Nigeria and yours says Republic of Ghana,” he argued, criticizing the tendency to group ECOWAS citizens with non-African nationals such as Chinese or Americans.
He welcomed renewed efforts by ECOWAS to strengthen regional cooperation following the recent withdrawal of three member states but lamented the absence of bilateral engagement between Ghana and Nigeria since May 31, 2021.
Nwankwo emphasized the need for mutual respect, solidarity, and dialogue to resolve trade disputes.
“We are ECOWAS citizens. Let us not forget that,” he affirmed.
