The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has urged President Akufo-Addo to use his new status and influence in the West African bloc to settle the trade war between their side and their Nigerian counterparts.
“We are confident that as a leader of ECOWAS and also the host of the secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), he would use his good offices to ensure that the rules of engagements in these protocols are strictly applied in solving all trade related matters.”
This was contained in a congratulatory message to President Akufo Addo on his unanimous election as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States at the 57th Summit of the group in Niamey, Niger.
GUTA has been intransigent, and uncompromising in the turf war existing currently in the retail space between them and the Nigerian traders in the country.
They have refused to back down and allow the Nigerians share the retail market with them, insisting Nigerians ought to respect the laws that proscribe their entry into the retail space.
A Nigerian delegation that embarked on a two-day fact-finding mission in the country last week over challenges with trade relations between Ghana and Nigeria, concluded that Ghana has done no wrong against Nigerians.
Addressing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and senior members of his administration including the Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Ocquye, Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila that led the delegation said, “…the issue at hand is basically a misconception and misinformation,” which he and his delegation had come to understand of the situation during their visit.
“The people, perhaps, the media on both sides as well… As to what exactly is going on in Ghana as far as Nigerians are concerned, we have taken time to educate our people here about those misconceptions. We deliberated and resolved that whatever needs to be done on both sides, to make sure that this relationship remains the relationship it used to be and still is, we will do.”
Meanwhile, GUTA in its message has acknowledged the new ECOWAS Chair’s wealth of experience to lead the sub regional bloc.
“Given his wealth of experience, knowledge and exemplary leadership, coupled with his full awareness of the enormity of the challenges facing the community; as he rightly mentioned five immediate challenges that need to be addressed, we have no doubt that with determination and hard work; he would excel in performance of his duty.
“May the Almighty God grant him good health, strength, knowledge and wisdom to carry out his agenda for the sub regional bloc. May God also guard and guide him throughout his stay in the chair.”