Ghana traders eagerly anticipating re-opening of Nigerian land borders

Ghanaian traders under the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) are eagerly anticipating the reopening of Nigeria's closed land borders. The move by Nigeria to close its borders has had severe implications not only in Ghana but also in the larger West African sub-region. Joseph Paddy, the Public Relations Officer of the union, recently engaged Nigerian authorities in discussions regarding the border closure and its impact on businesses. Paddy highlighted that the closure of the border has adversely affected trade and commerce activities between Ghana and Nigeria. GUTA raised concerns with the foreign minister and minister of trade in Ghana following the border closure. A delegation, including Paddy, traveled to Abuja to address the issue with Nigerian officials about four weeks ago. During the meeting, they proposed a temporary opening of the border to allow the passage of goods stuck at the border before further discussions on a permanent solution. Paddy emphasized that the lack of prior information and consultation before the border closure decision was a significant challenge for Ghanaian traders. The current border closure has raised questions about Nigeria's compliance with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocol, which advocates for free movement and trade within member states. Paddy expressed disappointment in Nigeria's actions, stating that they not only violate the spirit of ECOWAS but also hinder the economic activities of neighboring countries. He called for a collaborative effort among ECOWAS members to address the border closure issue and its adverse effects on regional trade. Moreover, Paddy warned that Nigeria's prolonged border closure could lead to retaliatory actions by other countries, sparking an economic war within the sub-region. He emphasized the urgency for Nigeria to reconsider its decision and its impact on the smooth functioning of ECOWAS as an economic bloc. Paddy highlighted the plight of Ghanaian traders who face significant losses due to the prolonged border closure, with perishable goods and capital at risk. In conclusion, Paddy urged Nigeria to review its stance on the border closure and emphasized the need for ECOWAS to intervene and enforce its protocols to maintain the integrity of the regional trade agreement. The uncertainty surrounding the border closure poses a threat to the economic stability of the West African sub-region and calls for swift resolution to mitigate further disruptions in cross-border trade.