.Seeks Nigerian govt’s urgent intervention
By Valentine Amanze
The ongoing clampdown on Nigerian businesses in Ghana by the Ghanaian authorities has been condemned by Mr. Peter Obi, the vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general elections.
Obi via statement by his media aide, Mr. Valentine Obienyem, said the clampdown was unfair and unjust to Nigeria and its citizens.
Obi also pointed out that such actions negated the true spirit of African brotherhood.
Obi said that it was unfair and unjust to close up shops and offices of businesses that were legally registered and of which their owners were law-abiding residents.
On the $1 million business registration fees and taxes allegedly levied on Nigerian businesses by the Ghana Investment Promotion Council, Obi said that it was shocking as it were outrageous, that foreign businesses were being subjected to such terrible conditions, without minding the huge losses incurred by these businesses due to the global pandemic.
Obi stated that governments should be encouraging local and foreign investments with palliatives for more post-COVID economic recovery, instead of choking them with harsh economic conditions.
Describing the actions of Ghanaian Authorities as undiplomatic, Obi said that there were more peaceful channels of communication that would have been followed.
His words:
“Recent reports of clampdown and forceful closure of business premises belonging to Nigerians in Ghana is not only unfair and unjust, but it clearly negates the true spirit of African unity.
“Governments around the world, knowing the huge losses and setbacks incurred by businesses due to the global coronavirus pandemic, are doing their best to revive local and foreign investments.
“Suppressing Nigerian businesses in Ghana at this critical time should not be seen as a right step.”
Obi called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently wade into the matter and save Nigerians in Ghana, whose means of livelihood were obviously being threatened by the recent actions of the Ghanaian authorities.