Nigeria- Ghana Dispute: Regional Synergy Needed To Strengthen Trade Policies—Emenike

The President, Progressive Ambassadors of Nigeria, Jasper Emenike has said to address the trade disputes between Nigerian and Ghanaian businesses, both countries will have to strengthen and harmonize their trade policies.

Emenike said this while analysing the brewing trade tension between Nigeria and Ghana.

He spoke on TVC’s Business Nigeria programme.

For several months, there has been disagreement between Nigeria and Ghana.

The problem began last year after Nigeria partially closed its border with Benin in August in a bid to curb massive smuggling activities.

The impact of the border closure affected Ghana negatively.

The Minister of Foreign Affair, Geoffrey Onyeama had said the closure was not targeted at any country but was aimed at curbing criminal activities.

Following the border closure, the government of Ghana launched a fresh attack on Nigerian businesses and closed many shops belonging to Nigerians.

A few days after the closure of Nigerian businesses in Ghana, the Nigerian government summoned a Ghanaian envoy to inquire about the closure of up to 400 Nigerian stores in Ghana.

The trade dispute between the two countries recently led to the destruction of the Nigerian high commissions building in Accra.

Speaking on the development, Emenike said every trade policy is targeted at protecting a particular interest.

He said, “We need to understand that every trade negotiation and policies are geared towards particular interest either nationalistic, continental, regional or multilateral.

“So far with respect to Ghana we are happy with the level conversions have gone and we understand that governments have their procedures in resolving issues and we hope in coming days, the government will be able to come up with decisive actions just”

He added, “The issue in Ghana is a very sad one, its an issue that ought not to happen , because Nigeria and Ghana enjoy very good friendship and relationship.

“What is happening now is of great concern not just for the survival of both countries but also the regional survival, so there is need to look into this matter very critically and seriously.”

In order to address the challenges, he said there is need to balance politics with economic issues issues.

“You cannot separate politics from economics, so when you talk about business that involves the both country you are also talking about politics.

” We believe from the historical antecedent right from 1969 till date that , what is happening between Nigeria and Ghana leading to a situation where Nigerians are sacrificed like scapegoats to satisfy some political insurgencies is purely political and not just economical,” he added.