ezeagu:

How can non-citizens be a minority?

Are illegal immigrants granted certain rights in the US?

ezeagu:

And "minority rights" is dependent on if the majority feels "that it has a special responsibility in actively safeguarding minority rights. Some of these safeguards are:
an educational system that fosters awareness of and respect for different cultures or religions;
laws and a legal system that protect minority rights;
a public discourse in which opinion leaders from politics, cultural life and the media honor their special responsibility in upholding tolerance."

http://www.friends-partners.org/partners/beyond-the-pale/english/70.html

This "minority rights" thing is just an adage. I can't find any dictionary definition that includes "minority rights" in the definition of democracy.

Neither can I find one that excludes it on paper but definitely observe this in active democracies world wide.

Bennyboy11:

Actually for all the people crying foul, a quick question for you.

Ecowas as a union came into existence around 1975, so what happened to the principle of free movement of labour and goods etc during the "Ghana must go" saga in the eighties?

Should Nigeria have been kicked out of the union or are the rules just meant for Ghana alone to adhere to?

Nigeria should have been kicked out of the Union.

Does that answer your question.

Una no dey tire for "ghana must go" issue.

morpheus24:

Are illegal immigrants granted certain rights in the US?

Yes, the right to get thrown out.

morpheus24:

Neither can I find one that excludes it on paper but definitely observe this in active democracies world wide.

Well Ghana found their way round that, didn't they?

ezeagu:

Yes, the right to get thrown out.

Are legal immigrants granted any rights in the US?

morpheus24:

Are legal immigrants granted any rights in the US?

We're talking about Ghana not the US, and since when has the US been the model on how to treat immigrants? They are two different countries. They don't want Nigerians in their country, get over it, many people also do not want Nigerians in their country.

ezeagu:

We're talking about Ghana not the US, and since when has the US been the model on how to treat immigrants? They are two different countries. They don't want Nigerians in their country, get over it, many people also do not want Nigerians in their country.

Under ECOWAS treaties Nigerian migrants are not illegal in GHANA and vice versa.


I understand putting certain restrictions on the inflow of Nigerian businesses into Ghana however for a Nigerian to take a position in support of this to me is unpatriotic and self defeating. you want people to change the country but you do not want to do anything to change it yourself.

Typical Nigerians!!!

Bennyboy11 wrote:

Gbawe can I ask a quick question which addresses the fundamentals of this issue. Ignoring ecowas treaties and other related points for a second, do you believe that it is extremely important that citizens of any country are economically empowered and are more active and dominate wealth creating economic activities within its nation? And that any responsible government would and should one way or the other work to achieve this even if it means creating an uneven playing field?

Of course I do and anyone who can think will admit that protectionism is sometimes neccessary and justified. Since you appear civil , unlike Shesi who suggests people who disagree with him are "not okay" , I will ask you some questions also.

Do you believe that protectionist measures can be phased in gradually so as not to aggravate unemployment, destitution, bankruptcy and despondency?

Do you believe a Government is still 'protecting' its citizens with protectionist actions when it only deems it fit to enforce non-compliance penalties for a "general" policy against one group of people alone?

Is there no chance at all that persecution is at play here?

morpheus24:

Typical Nigerians!!!

I'm guessing that means your not a typical Nigerian?  Every Nigerian says "Typical Nigerian" so I'm not the only "unpatriotic" one.

Shesi wrote:

This Gbawe guy are you OK? What is really your mission? Why are you so hell bent on painting a scenario that doesn't exist. Help us understand, did your business get closed down or something?

My friend , your childishness is becoming obvious . So because I disagree with you my sanity is in question? In any case I think I will stop responding to you and concentrate on posters who can at least acknowledge the grouse of others . When you claim I am "painting a scenario that doesn't exist" you are insensitively and ignorantly dismissing the voices of those far more knowledgable and more involved than you and me. You must think you are talking to kids who accepts what you say without questions .

If no problem exist as you claim why is the Nigerian High commisioner to Ghana , on behalf of Nigeria , still taking up the contentious $300, 000 fee levied against Nigerian businesses with new President Atta-Mills when the problem is two years old? According to you we can asume that  the Nigerian high commisioner and the Nigerians he is representing  are all "not okay"? Why waste time and money setting up a committee to resolve a problem that does not exist?  My friend , I don't think I have time for you anymore. People are complaining over an issue , commities are being set up to resolve said issue and the Nigerian High commisioner to Ghana , as at July 2009 , is saying this : Mr Musiliu Obanikoro, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Accra that Nigeria had taken up the matter with Ghana, following the recent visit of President John Ata Mills to Nigeria

and you have the nerve to patronise and insult Nigerians in their own backyard by writing:

What evidence do you have to show that the enforcement of this policy was targeted at Nigerians only. Besides wishy-washy internet articles from god knows where. Anybody can sit in their basement and post an article on the internet.

My dear Naija ppls. Ignore Gbawe and his rantings. He doesn't know what he's talking about.

I think it is obvious it is you , due to an agenda of deciet , who does not know ( or deliberately skews ) what he is talking about.

I suppose our high Commisioner to Ghana also "has a vendetta against Ghana" with how he has not let this issue go. Folks here should know that this problem has gained reactions from the highest echelon of the Nigerian government !!!! They must all be mad with how they see a problem when one does not exist !!! I will conclude that since you are not on the aggrieved side , and combined with your misguided nationalism , you can never see what is visible to others.

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/business/article01//indexn3_html?pdate=130709&ptitle=Nigeria,%20Ghana%20inaugurate%20body%20over%20$300,000%20fee%20for%20business&cpdate=130709

NIGERIA and Ghana have set up a joint committee to resolve the problems arising from the demand by Ghana that Nigerian businesses pay $300,000 to operate in Ghana.


On November 28, 2007, the Ghana Investment Promotion Council (GIPC) slammed the fee on Nigerian businessmen in Ghana, sealing up hundreds of shops that were not able to pay the money. Many of the shops have remained sealed, more than 20 months after they were closed.

The Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr Musiliu Obanikoro, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Accra that Nigeria had taken up the matter with Ghana, following the recent visit of President John Ata Mills to Nigeria.

morpheus24

You stated:

Under ECOWAS treaties Nigerian migrants are not illegal in GHANA and vice versa.

So why was Nigeria able to kick out Ghanaians from Nigeria a while ago? Was there no Ecowas? Looks like when it suits you it's fine, right?

Osupru:

morpheus24

You stated:


So why was Nigeria able to kick out Ghanaians from Nigeria a while ago? Was there no Ecowas? Looks like when it suits you it's fine, right?

Again Nigeria should have been kicked out of ECOWAS for that act. I am man enough to admit what I believe is wrong.

Are you?

You are still stuck on "Ghana must go issues".

This is not about Payback.

Osupru wrote:

ikeyman00,

What is your problem you idiot! Ghana is nothing so go back to Nigeria your hell hole of a voilent land. Just vamoose. You people want to shit everywhere you go.

Absolutely no need for this. This is why I speak on this thread and other threads concerning Ghana i.e the deep hatred between Nigeria and Ghana many folks on both sides like to casually dismiss  . If you did not write the above I would have continued viewing you as a Ghanaians who is interested in improving the relationship between our two countries with unbiased postings. You have managed to remain civil when you think you are talking to those who speak politely. The minute you are wound up you show your real feelings about Nigeria. Wow !!!  

How can you call a nation that produces human beings like yourself , even with their flaws,  a "hell hole of a violent land"? If you addressed me as "decent" in the past why do you view my land of origin as a "violent hellhole" ? Does a "violent hellhole" produce "decent" folks ? I can only  conclude that you were being deceitful and patronising. With so many folks masking their true feelings in the Nigeria-Ghana relationship we are bound to see more vengefulness. Imagine if you were an influential Ghanaian politician. Would you not do your best to keep out folks you believe are from a "hell hole of a violent land"?

morpheus24:

Again Nigeria should have been kicked out of ECOWAS for that act. I am man enough to admit what I believe is wrong.
Are you?

You are still stuck on "Ghana must go issues".

This is not about Payback.

Kudos for admitting what a single Ghanaian poster has not even considered. That is my sentiment also. If we had been kicked out of ECOWAS we will understand that we should not , in anger  and frustration, lash out at those who are most visible, convenient and unprotected . Many factors were responsible for our nations troubles back then . Corruption and woefully illegitimate leadership were our biggest problems. rather than address those deficiencies  our clueless leaders chose a fruitless and diversionary deportation agenda against our West African brothers and Sisters who were 'par for the course' as convenient scapegoats !!! Is Nigeria better off today for the deportation of Ghanaians ?  Weak leaders cave in to (or manipluate) uninformed populist agitation. Real Leaders stand on the side of what is right and fair.

Gbawe:

Bennyboy11 wrote:

Of course I do and anyone who can think will admit that protectionism is sometimes neccessary and justified. Since you appear civil , unlike Shesi who suggests people who disagree with him are "not okay" , I will ask you some questions also.

Do you believe that protectionist measures can be phased in gradually so as not to aggravate unemployment, destitution, bankruptcy and despondency?

Do you believe a Government is still 'protecting' its citizens with protectionist actions when it only deems it fit to enforce non-compliance penalties for a "general" policy against one group of people alone?

Is there no chance at all that persecution is at play here?

Its is true that some Nigerians have sadly been left unemployed and had their livelihoods taken away from them because they fell short of the $300,000 requirement imposed by the government. I however disagree with your assertion that the move would aggravate unemployment, destitution etc. The impact is insignificant and the numbers will drive my point home.

If you take the total number of Victims of this arguably unfair requirement as a proportion or percentage of Nigerians of working age willing and able to work it will immediately be apparent that you have over exaggerated it’s impact. Not to bring up the past but the return of over a million Ghanaians to a total population of less than 12 million and much lower if you count only the people able and willing to work, was definitely capable of destabilising our economy. Especially when you factor in the absence of their remittances, then the impact becomes a double negative in economic terms. I know you don’t Condon what happened to Ghanaians but I’m just making a point.

Regarding your other questions about Victimisation and unfairness, I can not say that everything is above board because I am sure we would agree on some of the nuances of this issue, however, to put the policy in perspective you need to see things from the Ghanaian Government’s view point for a second.

The key to a successful investment policy is to attract the right type of investments to avoid leaving your economy in tatters. I will use a far fetched example, take the premiership for instance, when assessing the impact of foreign players the conclusion drawn was that, if players coming in are of a superior calibre to the local players then English football will benefit as a whole, however if you have good players but not superior to but just as good as local players then the English game will suffer. This thinking is the premise on which a lot of immigration points systems of civilised and decent countries are based. All the Ghanaian Government is trying to do is avoid the $20k and $30k investors in small shops in Accra which Local Ghanaians have been doing for years and probably one Ghanaian a month does when they go back home from the US or the UK. Instead they want to attract investors like Adenuga and Bank owning Nigerians who we don’t have too much of locally and have the ability in my opinion to help in no mean way to move Ghana to the next level.

Singling out Nigerians was wrong and gave the wrong impression. I know I run the risk of sounding like I’m defending the indefensible but as far as avoiding the not so desireable investor mentioned above, Nigerians would be the main group to look at due to common language, similarities in taste, economic power and believe it or not closer ties compared to neighbouring countries. But the Mills Government absurdly singled out Nigerians which has deservedly attracted chastisement. If I’m not mistaken this has been extended to other Nationals which should have been the case in the first place.

I can however tell you for a fact that Ghana is very keen to attract Nigerian investments and “chasing Nigerians out” could not be further from the truth, it will never happen. If you want to talk about Nigerian/ Ghanaian rivalries on an individual person level, then that’s a different issue. It’s neither one sided nor relevant in my opinion.

People can’t wait for Globacom to start competing within the mobile phone market. How can there be anti Nigerian sentiments within Ghanaian business when a bank like Zenith was awarded bank of the year in Accra because it deserved it. The popularity of Nollywood movies, Nigerian nightclubs like xcel and other ventures in fast foods etc all dispel this notion. I know of multi million dollar unhindered Nigerian investments made within the soon to be the Ghanaian oil industry, these are facts I can vouch for myself.

When you put things into perspective you will realise this is all down to a Ghana first and Africa second approach which is completely fine by me because sadly no other approach is realistic in this Globalised Capitalist world of ours.

morpheus24:

Again Nigeria should have been kicked out of ECOWAS for that act. I am man enough to admit what I believe is wrong.

Are you?

You are still stuck on "Ghana must go issues".

This is not about Payback.

Would it make you feel better if Ghana was kicked out of ECOWAS for this act then, and Ghanaians tell you that they would not have it any other way? I am almost certain that this new law was not made over night and the country considered the possible consequences to its ECOWAS membership before embarking on and choosing to implement such a law.

It is sort of obvious from the many posts from the other side that some Ghanaians are not really concerned about possible ECOWAS consequences in this case, well, not as much as you seem to be.

Kobojunkie:


Would it make you feel better if Ghana was kicked out of ECOWAS for this act then, and Ghanaians tell you that they would not have it any other way? I am almost certain that this new law was not made over night and the country considered the possible consequences to its ECOWAS membership before embarking on and choosing to implement such a law.

It is sort of obvious from the many posts from the other side that some Ghanaians are not really concerned about possible ECOWAS consequences in this case, well, not as much as you seem to be. 

That is very far from the truth. I think Ghana takes its Ecowas commitments very seriously contrary to popular belief. One poster talked about Ghana not contributing anything and looking to be isolated which is completely false. Ghana and Nigeria are particularly important members and have worked together on several issues not least peace keeping which is debatably the most pressing issue within the region certainly in recent times. I think there might actually be the need for intervention in Guinea soon if things don’t calm down again Ghana and Nigeria will stand shoulder to shoulder as in Liberia, Sierra Leone and elsewhere.

The truth of the matter is bodies like Ecowas, United Nations in recent times, and the commonwealth and so on should be seen for what they are. They are bodies that signify solidarity and our common interests, a tool for dealing with crises when they arise like they do in our part of the world. Actually I think our biggest achievements collectively as West Africans have happened through Ecowas, but Ecowas will never have the power to dictate on important political or economic issues.

Bennyboy11:

That is very far from the truth. I think Ghana takes its Ecowas commitments very seriously contrary to popular belief. One poster talked about Ghana not contributing anything and looking to be isolated which is completely false. Ghana and Nigeria are particularly important members and have worked together on several issues not least peace keeping which is debatably the most pressing issue within the region certainly in recent times. I think there might actually be the need for intervention in Guinea soon if things don’t calm down again Ghana and Nigeria will stand shoulder to shoulder as in Liberia, Sierra Leone and elsewhere.

The truth of the matter is bodies like Ecowas, United Nations in recent times, and the commonwealth and so on should be seen for what they are. They are bodies that signify solidarity and our common interests, a tool for dealing with crises when they arise like they do in our part of the world. Actually I think our biggest achievements collectively as West Africans have happened through Ecowas, but Ecowas will never have the power to dictate on important political or economic issues.

ECOWAS is not a cumbaya organisation however I believe it shouldhave the power to influence mutual economic goals witin a region.

Bennyboy11:

That is very far from the truth. I think Ghana takes its Ecowas commitments very seriously contrary to popular belief. One poster talked about Ghana not contributing anything and looking to be isolated which is completely false. Ghana and Nigeria are particularly important members and have worked together on several issues not least peace keeping which is debatably the most pressing issue within the region certainly in recent times. I think there might actually be the need for intervention in Guinea soon if things don’t calm down again Ghana and Nigeria will stand shoulder to shoulder as in Liberia, Sierra Leone and elsewhere.

The truth of the matter is bodies like Ecowas, United Nations in recent times, and the commonwealth and so on should be seen for what they are. They are bodies that signify solidarity and our common interests, a tool for dealing with crises when they arise like they do in our part of the world. Actually I think our biggest achievements collectively as West Africans have happened through Ecowas, but Ecowas will never have the power to dictate on important political or economic issues.

Well, I am not a ghanaian, so I can only tell what I get from posts especially by those claiming to be ghanaians on here.

my nigerian brothers, please stop living in ignorance, to every action , there is a reaction. nigeria banned ghanaian textile and goods to nigeria as far back as 1999. nigeria was the first to breach the ecowas aggreement. nigerian bussinesses were relocating to ghana because of power, the gov of nigerian in a bid to stop this, banned goods from ghana to naija, this is because goods manufactured by these companies in ghana go straight to naija. TILL YOU STOP THE BLAME GAME, YOU ARE DOOMED FOREVER, AND MAY god forbid that. ghana and nig have come a long way. please stop the ANTI GHANA SENTIMENTS, end of discussion

sasuos:

my nigerian brothers, please stop living in ignorance, to every action , there is a reaction. nigeria banned ghanaian textile and goods to nigeria as far back as 1999. nigeria was the first to breach the ecowas aggreement. nigerian bussinesses were relocating to ghana because of power, the gov of nigerian in a bid to stop this, banned goods from ghana to naija, this is because goods manufactured by these companies in ghana go straight to naija. TILL YOU STOP THE BLAME GAME, YOU ARE DOOMED FOREVER, AND MAY god forbid that. ghana and nig have come a long way. please stop the ANTI GHANA SENTIMENTS, end of discussion

You are so right my brother. Not long ago there was an outright ban on sugar, confectionery, sweets and exercise books by the Nigerian Government some of these goods have been traded across the region for years. I'm not saying there couldn't be a justifiable reason for this but it puts things into better perspective.

I wonder what Gbawe has to say about all this.

[size=14pt]Nigeria lifts ban on Ghanaian imports[/size]
http://www.afrika.no/Detailed/10756.html


Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, Minister of Regional Cooperation and NEPAD, has, in an exclusive interview confirmed to the Business Chronicle that Nigeria has lifted the ban on imports from Ghana.
By Ghanaian Chronicle (Ghana), by Gifty Korantemaa [size=13pt]| 11.02.2005[/size]



"The President of Nigeria has just announced it and he does not talk without reflection. He must have thought about it carefully," the minister said.

According to him, a letter to that effect had not come officially, but Ghanaians also had to remember that no body wrote to Ghana to tell us there was a ban.

"So the same way, perhaps, the ban was implemented without consultation, it has been removed without our notification," he said.

Explaining further, he said the government had been in consultation with the Nigeria High Commission to confirm the Nigerian President's announcement on the lifting of the ban.

He added that they were waiting for the official letter to the effect that the ban had been lifted.

The minister also told this paper that the lifting of the ban was due to the intense pressure Ghana had exerted on Nigeria.

According to him, it was based on the ban that he made a public statement to the effect that Ghanaians should not participate in the ECOWAS trade fair organised in Nigeria. He added that the number of Ghanaians who eventually attended the trade fair were so small as compared to the previous years.

Touching on the ECOWAS trade liberalization policy, he said they had made a lot of significant progress.

Dr. Konadu Apraku explained that, had it not been for the recent ban, they would have made significant progress, although they were working on the free trade area for 2007.

He said when the free trade area was complete, it would mean that there would be no barriers at all and West Africa would have one big market.

According to him, trade liberalization was a protocol of ECOWAS that established that goods should move without hindrance within its territories.

He said there was a common external tariff, which was aimed at harmonizing the tariff rate, and this was implemented in 2005. It would however be extended to 2007 where Ghana would have 100% compliance.

The minister, in the interview, highlighted on the issue of human trafficking, which was on the ascendancy.

He urged the ECOWAS Parliament to take a critical look at establishing assistance and prevention programmes for women and children, who were the major victims of human trafficking and slavery, by sensitizing the public to the need for the presentation and reduction of human trafficking.

He added that the numerous problems facing member states in the sub-region could only be solved by its own citizens, with the support of the ECOWAS Parliament.

[size=13pt]Ghana protests Nigeria's goods ban [/size]



Accra, Ghana - Ghana is protesting a unila teral decision of the Nigerian government to ban some Ghanaian products from their market saying it is not in the interest of the two West African states.

Vice President John Mahama on Friday told the Nigerian High Commissioner in Ghana, Musiliu Obanikoro, that the Nigerian decision was not good for trade relations and there was the need for dialogue to resolve the snag.

'It is not in the interest of our trade relations,' the Vice President said, and asked for urgent mechanisms to verify the breaches and take remedial actions to resolve the matter.

Vice President Mahama said a provision in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission Protocol on trade stipulated that items being exported from one member state to another should have 60 per cent local content.


However, when there are apprehensions of breaches, verifications should be sought rather than the resort to slapping unilateral embargoes on products.

He said the Ghanaian business community was unhappy that whereas Nigerian products were flooding the Ghanaian market, those of Ghana had been debarred from that country.

Vice President Mahama called for further deepening of trade relations between the two countries pointing out that whereas trade volume between them is only eight per cent, trade with other countries was booming.

Obanikoro paid a courtesy call on the Vice President to discuss trade issues with the Ghana government and how deepening economic relations between Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria can help change the image of underdevelopment in the sub-region.

He also solicited the Vice President's support to rope in Togo and Benin into the joint Ghana-Nigeria Business Summit platform scheduled for Accra from 5-7 October.

Obaniko0ro expressed the hope that deepening trade relations among West African countries will help grow their respective economies and bolster job creation efforts.

Accra - [size=14pt]19/09/2009[/size]

http://www.afriquejet.com/news/africa-news/ghana-protests-nigeria's-goods-ban-2009091935190.html

[size=13pt]Nigeria, Ghana Settle Trade Dispute

18 May 2009[/size]



http://allafrica.com/stories/200905180026.html


Lagos/Abuja — Minister of State for Commerce and Industries, Mr. Humphry Abbah and Ghanaian Minister of Trade and Commerce, Miss Hannah Tetteh, met in Abuja weekend and resolved that Nigerians doing business in Ghana can reopen their shops within the next few weeks.


This is coming as Tetteh denied that Nigerians doing business in Ghana were being maltreated, saying that some of the traders were unable to meet business conditions set out by the country's laws and regulations and therefore were bared from doing business in the West African nation.


"I have had several discussions with the Ghanaian Union Traders Association to get them to accept that they Nigerians should open their shops again because they felt that the authorities have bent backwards to go outside the law to accommodate Nigerians and in having my discussion with them I have impressed upon them that under ECOWAS we want to be treated in the same way as we treat Nigerians", she said.


Briefing the media on the frosty trade relation which resulted in the closure of Nigerian shops sometime last year where both have had several meetings in the past, Abbah stated that tremendous progress was made especially on the way forward.


" We have recorded significant achievement as it relates to the issues of trade and commerce between our two nations. We feel that it is in the overall interest of our nations to properly integrate the two economies within the framework of the ECOWAS trade discussion. It is our believe and convinction that the framework set between Ghana and Nigeria would go a long way to even assist ECOWAS to establish the goal of a common market faster", he said.


Speaking further Mrs Tetteh said under the current investment promotion law in Ghana trading is reserved for Ghanians and that for foreigners wishing to undertake trading in Ghana they needed to incorporate their business with a minimum stated capital of USD350,000.


She said it was the non-compliance of some Nigerians that led to the misunderstanding last year. "I think what happened to the Nigerian traders I think was a reaction to what was felt to be increasingly marginalisation of Ghanians in Ghana. In order to find a way around the situation and allow Nigerians to do business, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centres made a different arrangement for Nigerians to pull resources to make up the limit of USD35,0000 and so five companies can come together to register as one. It has been a very difficult discussion, but I think I have gotten to the point where the understanding has been established and so I'm quite hopeful that within the next few weeks that they would allow them to re-open their shops", she said.


Mrs. Tetteh also said that there are still Nigerian companies in Ghana that are doing well, lamenting that while Nigerians made goods were imported into Ghana duty free in cognisance of ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETL), goods manufactured in Ghana were not allowed into Nigeria because of Nigeria's prohibition list, which bars some goods from being imported into the country in spite of the fact that the two countries belong to ECOWAS, noting, "The reason why we have this resentment is because Ghanaians don't feel that they have the same opportunities in Nigeria," she said.

Ghana deserves some respect now after all they went through. Remember the days of Ghana must go? A culmination of shame put on them by a bunch of visionless, selfish, incurably corrupt leaders. The had a breather only when God sent them an interim saviour (Jerry).

Things are now sane, THE COUNTRY IS BLOSSOMING and the Lilliputian Giant of Africa has shed load of her glory to Ghana. The policy will mostly affect Nigerians since other nationals would rather go back and do business in their own countries.

I have a few suggestions: Nigeria should hire Ghanaians in sufficient number to join the leadership of INEC so as to peacefully remove the hawks from power at the next polls. When that is done, our suffering will reduce as Nigerians will from that point guard their rights jealously
Secondly, we should appeal to Ghana to reverse the policy in order not to punish the innocent Nigerians who were forced to relocate their businesses to Ghana. If Ghana does not yield, we can put in some lockjam in the pipeline project where Ghana also stands to gain or lose depending on what Nigeria decides.
Lastly, let us invite more investors in the power sector to make it competitive and hopefully before long solve the problems of industrialists.

If I hadnt come to Ghana, I would have probably denied the Ghana-Nigeria friction, but I've seen it firsthand myself. I decided to inquire about its origins.

Historical Background
Nkrumah's Pan -Africanist dream added momentum to pro-independence movements throughout Africa. Independent Ghana became a model for other states. He was overthrown in Feb 1966. Nigerian traders had long before that extended their frontiers to Ghana. The outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War boosted the number of these traders. However, in 1969, the Busia administration expelled most of these Nigerians. In the 1970s and early 80s, economic hardships had sent many Ghanaians east in search of greener pastures. But after the Buhari/Idiagbon coup in 1983, the junta decided to expel most Ghanaians as part of the Economic Adjustment measures (similar to what the Busia administration did), hence the "GMG" saga. It is pertinent to note that the current ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, as it is now, was yet to take form.

Current Situation
Recently, Ghana has witnessed an influx of large Nigerian companies in the banking (eg GTB, Zenith, Oceanic/Amal,Intercont, UBA,) Insurance (eg IEI, NEM, Equity Assurance), Aviation(eg Aero, Arik, Virgin/Nig Eagle,Bellview ), Real Estate, Telecomms (eg Glo), Manufacturing (eg Omatek), Service (eg e-Tranzact) and Energy sectors(eg AP, Sahara). This influx has boosted FDI in the Ghanaian economy and created employment. These companies can affrod to pay $300,000. However, Nigerians owned MSMEs are threatened by this fee, which is aimed at protecting Ghanaian MSMEs.

Furthermore, during social interaction at various fora, especially amongst the general populace, one can sense the discomfort once a Nigerian is around. I must say that in elite circles, this friction is hardly evident. However, at the level of the lower and working classes it cannot be denied. This friction is based on the following mis-perceptions:

a. 419 Nigerians -It is also believed that Nigerians have brought organised crime to Ghana
b. Lousy and arrogant Nigerian
c. Money miss road Nigerian


Ambassador Obanikoro is doing his best to change these perceptions, caused by the activities of a few Nigerians.
Projects such as West African Gas Pipeline are hoped to boost Nigeria-Ghana relations. It must be said that at government level- the relationship is cordial. Nigeria supplies crude oil to Ghana on a 90 day credit facility.

ok

Yes, your points are valid and nobody wants to be cheapened or dominated in his country. The lousy nigerians should be schooled on the subject of modesty, respect to others in a foreign land. However, the Govt of Ghana should step in to remove the hurdle in order not to scuttle ECOWAS original vision because of current prosperity. When Nigeria wakes up and business environment enhanced, the exodus will abate or even reversed albeit on a very long time from now. God bless Nigeria.

if you think Ghana is jealous of naija, THINK again, it is the reverse, reason , I dont know. Even on bigbrother AFRICA 4 ,they lambast ghana without cause,

read this please, http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=170318&comment=5181521#com



The Nigeria Bashing Of Ghana Continues

NEW. Watch live television from Ghana plus the latest Ghanaian movies plus OBE TV.
-This Time On Big Brother Africa 2009

Ghana and Nigeria are two countries that are known to be and often called ‘competitive neighbours’. The ‘competition’ gotten greater especially these last years as many companies that used to be based in Nigeria have relocated to and many planning to relocate to Ghana much to the annoyance of the Nigerian government and people.

Not long ago, we read about Senior members of the Nigerian government making very disparaging remarks about Ghana. Despite the abundance of evidence that this had happened, The Nigerian High Comissioner to Ghana was all over the place saying it hadn’t and that Nigerians had nothing against Ghanaians. Funny!!

The Bashing of Ghana by Nigerians continued recently on Mnet Africa’s Big Brother Africa 2009. One of Nigeria’s representative to the house, a lady by name Nkenna, had this to say about Ghanaian women;

• That Ghanaian women are very cheap. She also told the housemates they will be surprised how very cheap Ghanaian girls are

• That you only have to take a Ghanaian girl to a bar, buy her a drink or two and that’s it. You then take her home for sex if you want

• She also talks about Ghanaian women paying men to have sex with them in Ghana almost everywhere you go

With no reason whatsoever, she just went on and on with very negative things about Ghana to the surprise of some of the housemates.

Unfortunately, Wayoe, Ghana’s representative to Big Brother 2009 was not there to defend the country(he went into the house as a ‘Rastafarian’ and got evicted first week).

Why are Nigerians so very jealous of Ghana’s progress? We as a people have been very tolerant of them despite the shame they bring to the image of the country with their 419’s and armed robberies. We have allowed them everywhere in Ghana to do all sorts of things with the decent ones trading in our markets yet they show great ingratitude.

They enjoy our girls, water, electricity and general hospitality yet are ungrateful to us. If Ghana is that bad, why do they keep relocating here in their numbers daily? Nigerians should wake up and solve their problems like Ghana is doing and stop the JEALOUSY and unnecessary bashing of Ghana. STOP THE GHANA HATING NIGERIANS!!!

John Musah

Musah2005@gmail.com

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Comment: Go 2 fifa site and see
Author: akwadu- Darwin NT
Date: 2009-10-15 05:08:12

Samson Siasia just give an interview on fifa website tipping Brazil to to lift the trophy. An African indeed. This is how far they ve taking the hatred

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sasuos:

if you think Ghana is jealous of naija, THINK again, it is the reverse, reason , I dont know. Even on bigbrother AFRICA 4 ,they lambast ghana without cause,

read this please, http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=170318&comment=5181521#com



The Nigeria Bashing Of Ghana Continues

NEW. Watch live television from Ghana plus the latest Ghanaian movies plus OBE TV.
-This Time On Big Brother Africa 2009

Ghana and Nigeria are two countries that are known to be and often called ‘competitive neighbours’. The ‘competition’ gotten greater especially these last years as many companies that used to be based in Nigeria have relocated to and many planning to relocate to Ghana much to the annoyance of the Nigerian government and people.

Not long ago, we read about Senior members of the Nigerian government making very disparaging remarks about Ghana. Despite the abundance of evidence that this had happened, The Nigerian High Comissioner to Ghana was all over the place saying it hadn’t and that Nigerians had nothing against Ghanaians. Funny!!

The Bashing of Ghana by Nigerians continued recently on Mnet Africa’s Big Brother Africa 2009. One of Nigeria’s representative to the house, a lady by name Nkenna, had this to say about Ghanaian women;

• [b]That Ghanaian women are very cheap. She also told the housemates they will be surprised how very cheap Ghanaian girls are

• That you only have to take a Ghanaian girl to a bar, buy her a drink or two and that’s it. You then take her home for sex if you want

• She also talks about Ghanaian women paying men to have sex with them in Ghana almost everywhere you go[/b]With no reason whatsoever, she just went on and on with very negative things about Ghana to the surprise of some of the housemates.

Unfortunately, Wayoe, Ghana’s representative to Big Brother 2009 was not there to defend the country(he went into the house as a ‘Rastafarian’ and got evicted first week).

Why are Nigerians so very jealous of Ghana’s progress? We as a people have been very tolerant of them despite the shame they bring to the image of the country with their 419’s and armed robberies. We have allowed them everywhere in Ghana to do all sorts of things with the decent ones trading in our markets yet they show great ingratitude.

They enjoy our girls, water, electricity and general hospitality yet are ungrateful to us. If Ghana is that bad, why do they keep relocating here in their numbers daily? Nigerians should wake up and solve their problems like Ghana is doing and stop the JEALOUSY and unnecessary bashing of Ghana. STOP THE GHANA HATING NIGERIANS!!!

John Musah

Musah2005@gmail.com

Source:
Musah, John Read more articles Discuss this article on Say It Loud Email this article to a friend Print this article

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Comment: Go 2 fifa site and see
Author: akwadu- Darwin NT
Date: 2009-10-15 05:08:12

Samson Siasia just give an interview on fifa website tipping Brazil to to lift the trophy. An African indeed. This is how far they ve taking the hatred

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NO wonder dem dey born HALF CASTE front right and center lol

Wow, looks like I'm late for the party but let me end the thread like this:

F*CK all you Ghana haters. Nigeria, we are your rulers now bitches!

You will continue to provide us cheap oil on easy terms, and love it!

You will pay $350K to open your stores at Makola, and beg us to take even more.

We will put up all kinds of trade barriers, but your businesses will line up (with $350K+ in hand) ready to relocate and kiss our royal buttocks.

We will shit all over ECOWAS, and you'll scurry around to pick up our golden shit (no kidding, Ghana shit IS made of gold).

But in the end, our leaders are just looking out for our interests. Don't take it personally.

Abrantie:

Wow, looks like I'm late for the party but let me end the thread like this:

F*CK all you Ghana haters. Nigeria, we are your rulers now bitches!

You will continue to provide us cheap oil on easy terms, and love it!

You will pay $350K to open your stores at Makola, and beg us to take even more.

We will put up all kinds of trade barriers, but your businesses will line up (with $350K+ in hand) ready to relocate and kiss our royal buttocks.

We will shit all over ECOWAS, and you'll scurry around to pick up our golden shit (no kidding, Ghana shit IS made of gold).

But in the end, our leaders are just looking out for our interests. Don't take it personally.

LOL !!!! Ridiculous

Ghana is indeed on a roll now.
They're in the 2010 WC, and the finals of the U-20.
We are out of one, all but out of the other, and we're only in the third because we are hosting.
I think the Nigerians in Ghana should just come back home, rather than pay the $350k. That kind of money will do good in the local economy, government notwithstanding. You can set up an decent trading business and have enough left over to cover power and protection costs (police or OPC/Bakassi/MEND/APC, whichever applies).
Let them all come back home. Abi they're not really Nigerians?