The Federal Government says it is currently engaging the government of Ghana on the issue of a $300,000 fee demanded as capital base for people wishing to do business in Ghana.

The discrimination of Nigerian businessmen and women in Ghana has been reported increasingly in the past weeks with the Ghanaian side largely unapologetic for decisions made though claiming to be in tandem with free trade laws of the West African sub-region.

Martin Uhomoibhi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made this disclosure in Abuja on Thursday while briefing journalists where he also noted that Ghana like Nigeria was a signatory to the ECOWAS Protocol on free movement of goods and services within the sub-region.

He explained, “The issue of $300,000 requirement to establish a business in Accra is a matter that is being seriously considered by the two governments at this time as we speak.

And what we’ve seen at this time is a remarkable degree of understanding and empathy and sympathy with all strands of this argument and the willingness by both sides to promote what is best for the sub-region, what is best for the continent and what is best for the two countries.

I am optimistic that the outcome will be successful. And that the best interest of our two peoples will be sustained.”

Uhomoibhi also used the forum to share highlights of the recently concluded high-leveled African Union (AU) summit, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, informing of the decision by leaders of the AU to create a “continental free trade area” in the next five years.

This resolution, aimed at developing trade and commercial relations among African states, is in keeping with the AU Assembly’s strive to pursue singular theme each year.

Trade between African countries is relatively poor with regional countries trading more with nations in Europe, America and even Asia.

Uhomoibhi, however, said, “It remains to be seen whether the target date of 2017 for the take-off of the CFTA is realistic.

Considering the enormity of obstacles such as poor infrastructure, energy, communication, divergent policy frameworks etc that need to be overcome before a smooth take-off, Nigeria had called for caution and a gradual approach to Africa’s integration.”

Passing!!!

ifihearam: If Nigeria is habitable for businesses with every good thing in place,what gives common Ghana the effrontery to tax us 300k$$ before starting up a business. The most annoying thing is that ghana only have steady power supply that's phuckin all.

Walecole74: Ghana of all countries? Thousands of them were in Naija fews years ago and they were shown all the love they accorded. Well good way to pay us back.

binger: I think the are paying us back in our own coin...'ghana-must-go' was a blessing in disguise

ifihearam: If Nigeria is habitable for businesses with every good thing in place,what gives common Ghana the effrontery to tax us 300k$$ before starting up a business. The most annoying thing is that ghana only have steady power supply that's phuckin all.

gst101: you are not been truthful. The reason nigerians are going to ghana isnt becos of power or infrastructure (becos we have them more). we provide power for ourselves and our infrastrutures are bigger and better (with so much respect to ghana). The reason we are going out is becos we need to explore more frontiers where there is no saturation. Do you know how saturated the informal sector is in naija?

gst101: you are not been truthful. The reason nigerians are going to ghana isnt becos of power or infrastructure (becos we have them more). we provide power for ourselves and our infrastrutures are bigger and better (with so much respect to ghana). The reason we are going out is becos we need to explore more frontiers where there is no saturation. Do you know how saturated the informal sector is in naija?

ifihearam: If Nigeria is habitable for businesses with every good thing in place,what gives common Ghana the effrontery to tax us 300k$$ before starting up a business. The most annoying thing is that ghana only have steady power supply that's phuckin all.

Sisi_Kill: Shouldn't they work on making Nigeria conducive for Businesses instead of taking Ghanaians to task for setting ground rules on how businesses are conducted in their own country?

sarutobie: This smoothcrim guy again?..the guy always gets a hard on whenever naija/ghana thread is opened..he probably sees nigerians in his nightmares..

careytommy: What's all the noise about? If a business environment is unfriendly, you move out.
The ghanaians have made their decision, time for us to make ours.

manny4life:

I think that's absolutely incorrect.

Nigeria has a population of 160million+ people, that's a enormous economic advantage compared to other African nations. If things were in place, and things were done RIGHT like other nations,

so why are the chinese all over the world despite the pop of 1.8billion people

what other frontier are you seeking from Ghana that Nigeria doesn't have?

exploration

As for infrastructures, sentiments aside, Nigeria lack proper infrastructure that can cater to 160million + people.

does dis mean that ghana has better infrastructure than nigeria?

Let our leaders put infrastructures in place - power, commuting networks (Rail, Roads, Seaports etc), education, healthcare, then top it off with good fiscal policy, Nigeria will change and you won't have any reason to go to Ghana. Even if you did, when they become hostile, you simply relocate elsewhere.

agreed

gst101: by your assertion, nigeria is not conducive for business. But our informal sector is worth more than ghana's (so much respect to them) i think we malign our country so much that all these people who have not done close to a tenth of what we have done are beginig to look down on you

sarutobie: This smoothcrim guy again?..the guy always gets a hard on whenever naija/ghana thread is opened..he probably sees nigerians in his nightmares..