Ghanaians fear Nigerian domination of economy –Minister
By Oyetunji Abioye
Published: Monday, 18 May 2009
Ghanaian Minister of Trade and Industry, Mrs. Hannah Tetteh, on Sunday threw an insight into why the alleged xenophobic feelings in her country had remained despite efforts at resolving it.

Ghanaian business men were accused of asking foreigners, including Nigerians to leave, for “dominating” their economy.

Tetteh, who spoke with journalists at a press conference at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Sunday, said Ghanaian traders were not happy that while Nigerian goods are having free access to the Ghanaian Market, Nigeria had refused to give such access to Ghanaian goods which come under Nigeria’s Import Prohibition List.


The minister said that Ghanaian traders believed that such ought not to be the Case under the economic integration policy on which the Economic Community of West Africa States was based.

According to her, she said following complaints by Ghanaian Trade Union Association, the ministry found out that some foreigners including Nigerians doing business at a certain area in Accra, were not in compliance with the $350,000 minimum capital required by non-Ghanaians to operate a business.

This, she said her ministry looked into and gave Nigerian businessmen a concession to come together and raise the capital, a development which Ghanaian traders were not still happy about, believing that Nigerians traders do not deserve such pointing to her Import prohibition policy.

Tetteh refuted an allegation that its government was further raising the stake for doing business from $350,000 to $1m, saying such was only a proposal for legislation raised by the Ghana Investment Promotion council, which was yet to get to Cabinet.

The Minister further said that all foreign banks operating in Ghana had been asked to recapitalise on or before December 31, 2009 in preparation for an “oil economy” which her country would start operating from next year, contrary to allegation that such was being targeted at Nigerian banks.

She said that Ghanaian banks had also being asked to do same before December 31, 2010 . On why there was difference in the compliance date, Tetteh, said, “such was only meant to be home advantage purpose.”

However, the Minister who was an official visit to Nigeria for the purpose said she had met with the Nigeria ’s Minister of Trade and Commerce, Mr. Humphrey Aba, and decision had been reached for the creation of a technical cooperation committee which would resolve the problem.








I don't seem to understand what she means by "domination of economy". They are private businesses, so they can't say they are taking jobs. Apart from the remittances home, the presence of the traders actually boosts their economy. What's the issue?

Is what happened in South Africa last year looming in Ghana? There is no level playing ground from the speech of the minister and hope the committee to be set up will act fast before life and properties are lost.

At least Ghana has an economy.

Nigeria's economy is in the hands of a few crooks.

kick rock.

Ghana will NEVER have a reason to fear Nigeria.

Nigeria is her own worst enemy.

Population wise, we are abundant which creates competition for other countries such as Ghana and South Africa ,which is why we need to ban together like the Jews or risk what happened to them happening to us.

At least we have a country to start with.

Population wise, we are abundant which creates competition for other countries such as Ghana and South Africa ,which is why we need to ban together like the Jews or risk what happened to them happening to us.

At least we have a country to start with.

Your population is your downfall. Especially when you have over 100 million people living off $2.00 a day.

This is why you have roving bands of thugs murdering and robbing wontonly

MandingoII:

Your population is your downfall. Especially when you have over 100 million people living off $2.00 a day.

This is why you have roving bands of thugs murdering and robbing wontonly

At least we dont have drug dealers and terrorists blowing up government buildings.

MandingoII:

Your population is your downfall. Especially when you have over 100 million people living off $2.00 a day.

This is why you have roving bands of thugs murdering and robbing wontonly

Your population size is about to become your peoples downfall as soon as the mexicans overtake you . You will become Obsolete. What is America going to use you for after that.

Sorry bro I know this is what you are most afraid of but its your own fault, offing each other like brainless baboons.

Better go marry a wetback as quick as possible and start screaming "OLE!"

I don't really get why there should be name calling here. 

Ghana is just trying to protect the intrest of its people, which is normal, what Nigeria should do is raise the stakes for non Nigerians as well, and try to get things right, make the economy work for Nigerians. If the Ghanaians see what they stand to gain in Nigeria, then they would definitely reconsider their policies.

All those who would rather go fight Ghanaians in there own backyard, where were you all when Obasan-Jo was given away Bakasi to the Cameroonians. 

The only reason why Britain went to war with Argentina was because the denizens of Falkland said they would rather be British Citizens. Obasan-Jo gave away Bakassi just because Hague asked him to do so. what a shame. 

@Morpheous24

Lol why the name calling kwanu.

That reminds me did we finish that specie discussion. Or you succumbed

Ikomi:

I don't really get why there should be name calling here.

Ghana is just trying to protect the intrest of its people, which is normal, what Nigeria should do is raise the stakes for non Nigerians as well, and try to get things right, make the economy work for Nigerians. If the Ghanaians see what they stand to gain in Nigeria, then they would definitely reconsider their policies.

All those who would rather go fight Ghanaians in there own backyard, where were you all when Obasan-Jo was given away Bakasi to the Cameroonians.

The only reason why Britain went to war with Argentina was because the denizens of Falkland said they would rather be British Citizens. Obasan-Jo gave away Bakassi just because Hague asked him to do so. what a shame.

@Morpheous24

Lol why the name calling kwanu.

That reminds me did we finish that specie discussion. Or you succumbed

succumbed to what, better go check that thread again and see who ran out of ideas

morpheus24:

succumbed to what, better go check that thread again and see who ran out of ideas

Is that what you call me given you some breathing space?