Ghanaian Traders Lament Over Nigeria Border Closure

Traders in Ghana have labeled Abuja's decision to continue shutting its border as needless and un-African. On the contrary, Nigeria claims the border closure has spurred local production and reduced arms smuggling.


Ghanaian trader Gabriel Nartey says the Nigerian border closure has negatively affected business

Gabriel Nartey casts a sad look as he sits idly in his spare parts shop located in Ghana's capital Accra. The 50-year-old trader complained that he has not seen business this bad. "I am stuck, I am losing customers because I don't have what they need," Nartey told DW in an interview. "I don't know what to do, it's just a few who can go to China, which is more expensive than I can manage, but for those like us who rely on Nigeria only, it is challenging for us."

When Nigeria decided to close its border with Benin in August 2019, Ghanaian traders initially downplayed the move hoping that they could cope with the momentary interruption. "Right from the word go, we were not worried about the border closure," Clement Boateng, National Organizer of Ghana's Union of Traders Association, told DW. "It is Nigeria's right, but what we thought was not right was Nigeria's refusal to give prior notice to its ECOWAS citizens," Boateng said.

Nearly six months later, Abuja has shown no interest in re-opening its border. President Muhammadu Buhari's government had raised hopes that goods may start flowing in and out by January 31. But Nigeria's Comptroller-General Hameed Ali says that is no longer the case: "Certainly not the end of January. When we initially closed the border, we intended to get our neighbours to adhere to the ECOWAS protocol on transit goods," Ali told DW in an interview.

Nigeria 'happy' with the border closure

Nigeria says after it closed the border, it has reaped more good than bad. "We discovered that our economy is completely bastardized because we Nigerians have not learned to consume what we produce. And therefore, our industries are not able to produce and enhance their production," Nigeria's top customs official, Ali, said.

"What we are trying to do now by this border closure is to get Nigerians to consume what we produce and produce what we consume because that's the only way that our economy would grow."

Ali's sentiment is shared by many Nigerians who have long complained that other ECOWAS member states have been taking advantage of the regional body's free trade and movement agreement to dump illegal and sub-standard goods in Nigeria.

Rice farmers had taken the government to task over what they called cheap imported rice that was making its way into the Nigerian market via Benin.

Peter Dama, Chairman, Rice Millers Association of Nigeria, (RIMAN), boasted to DW about the positive impact of the closed border. "It has raised our production because we have markets now," Dama said.

"The mills are operating, we had dead mills that were not operating before, but now you find that everywhere mills are coming up. We are producing, and trying our best to feed the nation."

According to Ali, Nigeria's local poultry industry has been given a boost following the border closure. "Our big hotels in Nigeria used to buy eggs from Ghana. With the border closure, we have compelled them to buy the eggs from our [Nigerian] poultry farmers," Ali proudly said. "They are now expanding. An economy that does not have an industrial base can never claim to be an economy."

Ghana caught between a rock and a hard place

At a recent meeting held in London, Ghana's President Nana Akuffo-Addo acknowledged the need for Nigeria to protect its citizens but, at the same time, pleaded with his Nigerian counterpart to consider re-opening the border. He noted that Nigeria is essential for specific categories of business people in Ghana.


President Nana Akuffo Ado of Ghana

For trade unionist Boateng, President Akufo-Addo needs to do more than just diplomacy. "Nigeria has shown us that when it comes to ECOWAS protocols, they don't care because they put their citizens first," Boateng said. "That is why we think our Ghanaian government needs to implement some of the local laws that can protect the local people, especially regarding the influx of foreigners in the retail trade."
Boateng said the closure is not affecting only Ghanaian traders. "A lot of Nigerians have businesses here in Ghana, and since the closure, they have also spoken bitterly against their government." He said they had been forced to be creative to deal with the current situation. "We can't tell those who trade in Nigeria to sit down and fold their hands, we have to find alternative means, and we have been able to find so many places where we can get the goods from."

Should Ghana close its border too?

Many Nigerians such as Peter Dama would rather see the border kept shut: "As far as I am concerned, it [the border closure] can be forever," Dama said. "This is because it will stimulate the economy, it will help the nation to become self-sufficient, and it will help us to create jobs," Dama added.

Dama and other officials argue that by keeping the border closed, all the security challenges that the country has had arms smuggling particularly can now be effectively dealt with.

However, Clement Boateng of Ghana Traders Association, said a similar move would be counter-productive."There is no need for Ghana to close its borders. Ghana does not share a border with Nigeria. We share a border with Togo, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast, and they are not the ones that have shut down their borders," Boateng said. "It is not necessary, and it is not something that I would encourage the government to do. It is needless."


Ghana's trade union official Clement Boateng says like Nigeria, Ghana should do more to protect local retailers

Back in Gabriel Nartey's car spare parts shop, not one customer has come in a while talking to him. His frustration is evident; his finger of blame remains squarely on Buhari. "It is rather unfortunate for Africa and not just for Ghana because Nigeria is the centre for the market at the moment," Nartey said. "Such a thing would not move Africa forward. Young people are trying to make a living to make Africa move forward. For all, I know it is not helping business at all."

https://www.dw.com/en/ghanaian-traders-livid-at-nigeria-border-closure/a-52189203

I think say Ghana been dey flex muscles before.

Lol... Buhari, please pity Ghana na.

Waiting for Nairaland Ghanians to come and defend their country's economy

ETWs:
I think say Ghana been dey flex muscles before.

I thought the same too

We hear your plights but borders remain closed...

New meme:

Where are those Ghanaian noise makers always shouting and lying on how Ghana has become the economic powerhouse of the world since the closure?

Border closure is unAFRICAN

jayson87:
Border closure is unAFRICAN

Ehm.....no, oga......Smuggling substandard and contraband goods and weapons into Nigeria is unAFRICAN.

Area4Area:
Where are those Ghanaian noise makers always shouting and lying on how Ghana has become the economic powerhouse of the world since the closure?

how does one single spare parts car trader who buys from a Nigerian trader talk for the whole country of 30 million people. Did you hear him that he's already a poor trader who can't go to China whilst others go to China for their goods to sell.Nigerians don't manufacture the spare parts so they too go to China to buy them and then resell them to those who can't go so it's a win win situation that's why it's called a trade buh the only difference is the Nigerian businesses are also losing customers and money buh since they're ruled by a fulani illiterate dictator and has useless blinded supporters like you here,they have no right to protest.

Now did you hear the GUTA organizer say they have sourced different buyers and sellers from other places now so they don't sit down doing nothing. Spare parts business does not make up even 2% of businesses in Ghana and majority of them import their products through Ghanaian ports which operates far better than all Nigerian ports buh our government has been charging them more taxes because he's trying to clamp down that business category and promote buying of new cars so they few ones that can't afford the high tariff goes to Togo and Nigeria to get their goods to sell.And most Nigerian traders in Ghana are also affected.

Ghana doesn't even talk about Nigeria border because we don't care and we're the fastest growing economy in Africa this year projected by the IMF.Go and cry for the over 1,000 Nigerian shops under lock and key in Ghana since last year.Do you have light in your kiosk.

Truly Nigeria is the giant of West Africa

chiemmanuel:
Truly Nigeria is the giant of West Africa

Of Africa you mean?

Thought so.

this zoo country is really trying to make sure Ghana becomes a failed country like their zoo because they have closed their useless border to starve themselves just to see Ghana in flames little did they know that they're dying from hunger and inflation themselves whilst Ghana don't even care.How can a poor spare parts dealer who can't import through China and our better effective ports buh goes to Nigeria to get his goods to sell affect a country of 30 million people people with an economy of over 70 billion dollars.

Check Ghanaian trending news and see our government sharing over 350 brand new ultra modern ambulances to each constituency in Ghana and Ghana gaining 2 billion dollars from African American tourists through Year of Return campaign only and Ghana projected to be the fastest growing economy in Africa by the IMF.
Ghana is more
1.Peaceful than Nigeria
2.Attracted more foreign direct investments than Nigeria last year
3.Far safer than Nigeria
4.Better economic management than Nigeria
5.Better educational system than Nigeria with thousands of Nigerians schooling in Ghana and paying thousands of dollars
6.Better energy and electricity infrastructure and 24/7 electricity
7.Inflation in Ghana is 7.5% which reduces as time goes on
8.No terrorism and kidnappings in Ghana
9.Better roads and infrastructure
10.free health insurance for the whole nation etc,etc
Nobody is talking about Nigerian borders in Ghana like how you came up with the fake news that Transparency International has ranked Ghana as the most corrupt nation in Africa when the real list came just a week after, Ghana was 80th least corrupt country in the world whilst Nigeria was 146th in the world and the most corrupt country in West Africa.

crash12345:
how does one single spare parts car trader who buys from a Nigerian trader talk for the whole country of 30 million people. Did you hear him that he's already a poor trader who can't go to China whilst others go to China for their goods to sell.Nigerians don't manufacture the spare parts so they too go to China to buy them and then resell them to those who can't go so it's a win win situation that's why it's called a trade buh the only difference is the Nigerian businesses are also losing customers and money buh since they're ruled by a fulani illiterate dictator and has useless blinded supporters like you here,they have no right to protest.

Now did you hear the GUTA organizer say they have sourced different buyers and sellers from other places now so they don't sit down doing nothing. Spare parts business does not make up even 2% of businesses in Ghana and majority of them import their products through Ghanaian ports which operates far better than all Nigerian ports buh our government has been charging them more taxes because he's trying to clamp down that business category and promote buying of new cars so they few ones that can't afford the high tariff goes to Togo and Nigeria to get their goods to sell.And most Nigerian traders in Ghana are also affected.

Ghana doesn't even talk about Nigeria border because we don't care and we're the fastest growing economy in Africa this year projected by the IMF.Go and cry for the over 1,000 Nigerian shops under lock and key in Ghana since last year.Do you have light in your kiosk.

This one is talking while his president is begging.

Nigeria is truly the giant of Africa, our good and bad policies affect almost all other African countries too.


Ghana can close thier borders too to purnish Nigeria as well

Have mercy on Ghanaians

crash12345:
this zoo country is really trying to make sure Ghana becomes a failed country like their zoo because they have closed their useless border to starve themselves just to see Ghana in flames little did they know that they're dying from hunger and inflation themselves whilst Ghana don't even care.How can a poor spare parts dealer who can't import through China and our better effective ports buh goes to Nigeria to get his goods to sell affect a country of 30 million people people with an economy of over 70 billion dollars.

Check Ghanaian trending news and see our government sharing over 350 brand new ultra modern ambulances to each constituency in Ghana and Ghana gaining 2 billion dollars from African American tourists through Year of Return campaign only and Ghana projected to be the fastest growing economy in Africa by the IMF.
Ghana is more
1.Peaceful than Nigeria
2.Attracted more foreign direct investments than Nigeria last year
3.Far safer than Nigeria
4.Better economic management than Nigeria
5.Better educational system than Nigeria with thousands of Nigerians schooling in Ghana and paying thousands of dollars
6.Better energy and electricity infrastructure and 24/7 electricity
7.Inflation in Ghana is 7.5% which reduces as time goes on
8.No terrorism and kidnappings in Ghana
9.Better roads and infrastructure
10.free health insurance for the whole nation etc,etc
Nobody is talking about Nigerian borders in Ghana like how you came up with the fake news that Transparency International has ranked Ghana as the most corrupt nation in Africa when the real list came just a week after, Ghana was 80th least corrupt country in the world whilst Nigeria was 146th in the world and the most corrupt country in West Africa.

Wow. You're virtually on the same level as Canada!

Yet your president still comes to dobale for Buhari like this?

Nana in Abuja doing what he does best
[img]https://2.bp..com/-875rpi-Ow3g/WzDPHnhJ8rI/AAAAAAAAEP0/i-Ip9AcM9QkQNQ49VxjaQt0pvQ09wGK_gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180624_160543.jpg[/img]

You well so?

Study your environment sir, you can succeed in another business

crash12345:
how does one single spare parts car trader who buys from a Nigerian trader talk for the whole country of 30 million people. Did you hear him that he's already a poor trader who can't go to China whilst others go to China for their goods to sell.Nigerians don't manufacture the spare parts so they too go to China to buy them and then resell them to those who can't go so it's a win win situation that's why it's called a trade buh the only difference is the Nigerian businesses are also losing customers and money buh since they're ruled by a fulani illiterate dictator and has useless blinded supporters like you here,they have no right to protest.

Now did you hear the GUTA organizer say they have sourced different buyers and sellers from other places now so they don't sit down doing nothing. Spare parts business does not make up even 2% of businesses in Ghana and majority of them import their products through Ghanaian ports which operates far better than all Nigerian ports buh our government has been charging them more taxes because he's trying to clamp down that business category and promote buying of new cars so they few ones that can't afford the high tariff goes to Togo and Nigeria to get their goods to sell.And most Nigerian traders in Ghana are also affected.

Ghana doesn't even talk about Nigeria border because we don't care and we're the fastest growing economy in Africa this year projected by the IMF.Go and cry for the over 1,000 Nigerian shops under lock and key in Ghana since last year.Do you have light in your kiosk.

Just imagine the long epistle you ought to have written to DW or your president. Continue hiding the reality on ground that the whole world is talking about.

crash12345:
this zoo country is really trying to make sure Ghana becomes a failed country like their zoo because they have closed their useless border to starve themselves just to see Ghana in flames little did they know that they're dying from hunger and inflation themselves whilst Ghana don't even care.How can a poor spare parts dealer who can't import through China and our better effective ports buh goes to Nigeria to get his goods to sell affect a country of 30 million people people with an economy of over 70 billion dollars.

Check Ghanaian trending news and see our government sharing over 350 brand new ultra modern ambulances to each constituency in Ghana and Ghana gaining 2 billion dollars from African American tourists through Year of Return campaign only and Ghana projected to be the fastest growing economy in Africa by the IMF.
Ghana is more
1.Peaceful than Nigeria
2.Attracted more foreign direct investments than Nigeria last year
3.Far safer than Nigeria
4.Better economic management than Nigeria
5.Better educational system than Nigeria with thousands of Nigerians schooling in Ghana and paying thousands of dollars
6.Better energy and electricity infrastructure and 24/7 electricity
7.Inflation in Ghana is 7.5% which reduces as time goes on
8.No terrorism and kidnappings in Ghana
9.Better roads and infrastructure
10.free health insurance for the whole nation etc,etc
Nobody is talking about Nigerian borders in Ghana like how you came up with the fake news that Transparency International has ranked Ghana as the most corrupt nation in Africa when the real list came just a week after, Ghana was 80th least corrupt country in the world whilst Nigeria was 146th in the world and the most corrupt country in West Africa.

DW is not owned by Nigeria so you can take your tears to them and stop pouring your frustration on Nigeria

Rosskiye:


Wow. You're virtually on the same level as Canada!

Yet your president still comes to dobale for Buhari like this?

Nana in Abuja doing what he does best
[img]https://2.bp..com/-875rpi-Ow3g/WzDPHnhJ8rI/AAAAAAAAEP0/i-Ip9AcM9QkQNQ49VxjaQt0pvQ09wGK_gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180624_160543.jpg[/img]

You well so?

Who can forget how their junior ministers almost Abuja into their capital, one minister or two would visible and begging everyone and anyone they meet in Abuja over the closure

This border should remain shut like a nuns legs. Don't open it under any circumstance.

Ghana don suffer. Buhari, mercy small o. We sef need the border to trade with our neighbours o.

Never knewl ghanians can cry like this

Rosskiye:


Ehm.....no, oga......Smuggling substandard and contraband goods and weapons into Nigeria is unAFRICAN.

it's not neighbours fault your customs are inefficient consequently having porus borders

Sw

crash12345:
how does one single spare parts car trader who buys from a Nigerian trader talk for the whole country of 30 million people. Did you hear him that he's already a poor trader who can't go to China whilst others go to China for their goods to sell.Nigerians don't manufacture the spare parts so they too go to China to buy them and then resell them to those who can't go so it's a win win situation that's why it's called a trade buh the only difference is the Nigerian businesses are also losing customers and money buh since they're ruled by a fulani illiterate dictator and has useless blinded supporters like you here,they have no right to protest.

Now did you hear the GUTA organizer say they have sourced different buyers and sellers from other places now so they don't sit down doing nothing. Spare parts business does not make up even 2% of businesses in Ghana and majority of them import their products through Ghanaian ports which operates far better than all Nigerian ports buh our government has been charging them more taxes because he's trying to clamp down that business category and promote buying of new cars so they few ones that can't afford the high tariff goes to Togo and Nigeria to get their goods to sell.And most Nigerian traders in Ghana are also affected.

Ghana doesn't even talk about Nigeria border because we don't care and we're the fastest growing economy in Africa this year projected by the IMF.Go and cry for the over 1,000 Nigerian shops under lock and key in Ghana since last year.Do you have light in your kiosk.

well,, I can see some Ghanaians trying so hard to defend what dia president obviously admitted
Ordinary Ghana

crash12345:
this zoo country is really trying to make sure Ghana becomes a failed country like their zoo because they have closed their useless border to starve themselves just to see Ghana in flames little did they know that they're dying from hunger and inflation themselves whilst Ghana don't even care.How can a poor spare parts dealer who can't import through China and our better effective ports buh goes to Nigeria to get his goods to sell affect a country of 30 million people people with an economy of over 70 billion dollars.

Check Ghanaian trending news and see our government sharing over 350 brand new ultra modern ambulances to each constituency in Ghana and Ghana gaining 2 billion dollars from African American tourists through Year of Return campaign only and Ghana projected to be the fastest growing economy in Africa by the IMF.
Ghana is more
1.Peaceful than Nigeria
2.Attracted more foreign direct investments than Nigeria last year
3.Far safer than Nigeria
4.Better economic management than Nigeria
5.Better educational system than Nigeria with thousands of Nigerians schooling in Ghana and paying thousands of dollars
6.Better energy and electricity infrastructure and 24/7 electricity
7.Inflation in Ghana is 7.5% which reduces as time goes on
8.No terrorism and kidnappings in Ghana
9.Better roads and infrastructure
10.free health insurance for the whole nation etc,etc
Nobody is talking about Nigerian borders in Ghana like how you came up with the fake news that Transparency International has ranked Ghana as the most corrupt nation in Africa when the real list came just a week after, Ghana was 80th least corrupt country in the world whilst Nigeria was 146th in the world and the most corrupt country in West Africa.

You're very right.

Nigeria is the most corrupt nation on earth with inept cow sipping kunu leader's.

Ghana has so many potentials which we all know.


Moreover the news is fake because Ghana has moved on.

Nigeria as a country is a failed country as nothing works except media propaganda.

Don't be deceived.

Rosskiye:


This one is talking while his president is begging.

Pure lie. No one begging. it is simply diplomatic meeting and meetings between president of two countries.

Una dey talk as if Nigeria no dey beg South Africa even Morocco for Weapons.


Giant of Africa that can't fight Boko Haram, banditry or herdsmen.

Just this week over 15 lives we're murdered again in cold blood.

When have u heard such stories from Ghana?


Ghana is a wonderful country and is doing fine than Nigeria.

Oga will always be the master anyday anytime

Rosskiye:


Wow. You're virtually on the same level as Canada!

Yet your president still comes to dobale for Buhari like this?

Nana in Abuja doing what he does best
[img]https://2.bp..com/-875rpi-Ow3g/WzDPHnhJ8rI/AAAAAAAAEP0/i-Ip9AcM9QkQNQ49VxjaQt0pvQ09wGK_gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180624_160543.jpg[/img]

You well so?

Stop showing your ignorance.

Ghana is far ahead of Nigeria.

Even if American president decides to visit Africa today, na Ghana go be their first stop and after that he goes back.



Giant of Africa in world poverty index.