NOTICE OF TRADE DISRUPTION AND CONTINUED HARASSMENT OF NIGERIAN ONION TRADERS IN GHANA
This is to formally notify relevant authorities and stakeholders of recent developments affecting the onion trade Nigeria onion traders and Onion traders in Ghana.
Over a sustained period, Nigerian onion traders operating within markets in Ghana, particularly at Kotoku Market in Accra, have been subjected to repeated incidents of harassment, intimidation, and undue interference in their legitimate trading activities by certain Ghanaian trader groups. These actions have disrupted normal commercial operations and created an increasingly hostile trading environment for Nigerian traders.
Of particular concern is the recent escalation arising from a disagreement between Ghanaian and Nigerian onion traders, which resulted in the confiscation of trucks conveying onions belonging to Nigerian traders by certain Ghanaian trader groups. This development represents a serious breach of established trade norms and has further heightened tensions within the market.
In response to these developments, and in an effort to safeguard the interests, safety, and economic rights of its members, the Nigerian onion marketers have resolved to suspend all onion trading activities across Nigerian borders to Ghana with immediate effect. This suspension shall remain in force pending the resolution of all outstanding issues and the restoration of a safe, fair, and lawful trading environment.
This action has been taken as a necessary measure to prevent further losses, protect traders from continued harassment, and draw urgent attention to the situation requiring immediate intervention.
We hereby call on the relevant authorities in both Nigeria and Ghana, as well as regional bodies, to:
– Urgently investigate the reported incidents, including the confiscation of Nigerian onion trucks;
– Ensure the protection and safety of Nigerian traders operating within Ghana;
– Facilitate constructive dialogue between all parties involved to resolve the dispute;
– Promote adherence to established regional trade frameworks and principles governing cross-border commerce.
We remain committed to lawful trade, regional cooperation, and peaceful engagement, and we trust that swift and decisive action will be taken to address these concerns.
