How to address regional integration challenges in West Africa

In a recent development, Ghana launched and handed over the secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area to the African Union. However, this move comes at a time when the Ghana Union of Traders Association has requested Nigerians in retail trading to close their shops in Ghana and return to their home country. This has sparked a heated debate regarding regional integration challenges in West Africa. Obiora Madu, the CEO of Multimix Group, shared his insights on how to address these pressing issues during an interview with CNBC Africa. The situation has escalated to the point where videos have surfaced showing Nigerian traders being forced to close their shops in Ghana due to alleged exorbitant tax demands, with claims of up to $1 million being requested. These claims have raised questions about the treatment of Nigerian traders in Ghana and its impact on regional integration efforts. Obiora Madu shed some light on the matter, highlighting the discriminatory practices targeted at Nigerians in the retail sector. He suggested that Ghana's actions may be seen as a breach of integration protocols and a hindrance to the progress of regional cooperation. Madu expressed concerns about the lack of progress in achieving seamless movement of people and goods within the ECOWAS community. While ECOWAS has been a pioneer in regional integration efforts in Africa, the recent events have raised doubts about the commitment to fostering harmonious economic relations among member states. The short notice given to Nigerian traders in Ghana to comply with the new regulations has also been a point of contention. Many traders claim they were not adequately informed about the changes, leading to confusion and resentment. The lack of effective communication and coordination between the governments of Ghana and Nigeria has further exacerbated the situation. Despite assurances from top officials, including the presidents of both countries, the dispute remains unresolved, indicating a breakdown in diplomatic relations. The CEO of Multimix Group emphasized the need for a diplomatic approach to address the grievances of affected traders and prevent further escalation of tensions. The ongoing dispute not only threatens the economic well-being of Nigerian traders in Ghana but also poses a significant risk to the stability of the ECOWAS region. With the absence of a clear resolution strategy and official intervention from ECOWAS, the Ghana-Nigeria trade dispute underscores the challenges of achieving meaningful regional integration in West Africa. As the situation continues to unfold, stakeholders must prioritize dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect to preserve the spirit of unity and collaboration within the ECOWAS community.