samituga:
1
Republic of Ghana
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
P. O. BOX M 41, ACCRA
Tel No: +233-(0)30-2227201
Fax No: +233-(0)30-2229786 EMAIL: info.moi@moi.gov.gh
August 30, 2020
STATEMENT
The Government of Ghana notes, with concern, a statement, dated Friday, August 28,
2020, issued by the Ministry of Information and Culture and signed by the Federal Minister,
Hon. Lai Mohammed, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, concerning current
relations between Ghana and Nigeria.
Ghana remains committed to the maintenance of warm relations with all sister nations,
particularly, for well-known historical reasons, with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and
will proceed to engage the Federal Government of Nigeria with a view to resolve
comprehensively and exhaustively any matters that have the potential to sour relations
between the two countries.
Ghana finds it imperative, however, from the onset, to state, for the public record, that the
outline of issues by my Nigerian counterpart is not reflective of the developments in
Ghana. Any protests, decisions or actions based on these reports will, thus, be unjustified.
We are obliged, therefore, as a first step, to provide our counterparts, as well as the
Ghanaian and Nigerian publics, with a more reflective account of events, even as we pursue
substantive diplomatic engagements to resolve matters.
(I) Accusation:
The seizure of the Nigerian Mission’s property located at No. 10, Barnes Road,
Accra which has been used as diplomatic premises by the Nigerian Government
for almost 50 years; and which action, is a serious breach of the Vienna
Convention.
Response:
This statement is inaccurate. The transaction was a commercial arrangement
between Thomas D. Hardy, a private citizen and the High Commission of
Nigeria in Ghana on 23rd October, 1959.
The terms of the Commercial Lease expired 46 years ago, without any evidence
of renewal by the High Commission of Nigeria in Ghana. The Government of
Ghana was not involved in the transaction and has not seized the property in
question.
2
(II) Accusation:
Also, even though the main reason given for the seizure of Federal Government
property at No. 10 Barnes Road in Accra is the non-renewal of Lease after
expiration, the Ghanaian authority did not give Nigeria the right of first refusal
or the notice to renew the Lease. By contrast, the lease on some of the properties
occupied by the Ghanaian Mission in Nigeria has long expired, yet
such properties have not been seized.
Response: The Government of Ghana does not, did not and never owned the
land, and has not been involved in the seizure of any property of the Nigerian
High Commission in Ghana. The land in question is owned by the Osu Stool
and managed by the Lands Commission.
In response to the claim that the lease on some of the properties owned by the
Ghana Mission in Nigeria has long expired, it must be noted that
the Government acquired a freehold land at Pope John Paul II Street in
Abuja in 1989 through a commercial arrangement, and built the current
structures on it. The staff of the Ghana High Commission in Abuja have been
living there since the construction of the current structures.
(III) Accusation:
Demolition of the Nigerian Mission’s property located at No. 19/21
Julius Nyerere Street, East Ridge, Accra, which constitutes another serious breach of
the Vienna Convention.
Response:
This statement is not factual. A search at the Lands Commission indicated that
the Nigerian High Commission failed to complete the documentation process
after paying for the land in the year 2000 A.D. The High Commission failed to
acquire the Lease and Land Title Certificate, which constitute documentation
for the said property, as well as a building permit for construction. In Ghana,
land is owned not only by the Government, but also by Stools and Families.
The demolition of the property was not carried out by agents of the Ghanaian
Government, but by agents of the Osu Stool. Nonetheless, the Government of
Ghana, valuing the relations between our two countries, has decided to restore
the property, at its own cost, to its original state for the Nigerian High
Commission, and has duly communicated same to the Nigerian Authorities. The
Government of Ghana has also agreed to facilitate the proper acquisition of title
by the Nigerian High Commission, as announced by Ghana’s Minister for
Foregin Affairs at the time of the incident.
3
(IV) Accusation:
Aggressive and incessant deportation of Nigerians from Ghana. Between
January 2018 and February 2019, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Five
(825) Nigerians were deported from Ghana.
Response:
This statement is not factual. In 2019, seven hundred (700) Nigerians, who were
found to have been involved in criminal activities such as fraud, prostitution,
armed robbery etc., were deported.
(V) Accusation:
Residency permit requirement, for which Ghana Immigration Service has placed
huge fees far higher than the fees charged by the Nigerian Immigration Service.
These include the compulsory non- citizen ID card (US$120, US$ 60 for yearly
renewal); medical examinations, including for COVID-19 which is newly
introduced (about US$ 120), and payment for residency permit (US$ 400
compared to the N700,000 being paid by Ghanaians for residency card in
Nigeria).
Response:
It must be noted that all foreigners, who apply for resident permit in Ghana,
pay same fees as stated above. These fees are not specific to Nigerians.
(VI) Accusation:
“Media war against Nigerians in Ghana. The negative reportage of issues
concerning Nigerians resident in Ghana by the Ghanaian media is fuelling an
emerging xenophobic attitude against Nigerian traders and Nigerians in general.
The immediate fallout is the incessant harassment and arrest of Nigerian traders
and closure of their shops.”
Response:
The statement is not factual. There is no media war against Nigerians in Ghana.
There is also no negative reportage on Nigerian residents in Ghana by Ghanaian
media, which could potentially lead to xenophobic attitude towards Nigerians,
particularly Nigerian traders in Ghana.
No Nigerian trader has been arrested. The closure of shops was as a result of
infractions on Ghanaian laws. Even then, those affected who are not only
Nigerians, have been given ample time to regularise their
documents. Furthermore, no Nigerian- owned shops are currently closed.
4
On the contrary, the negative reportage has been against the Ghanaian
Government from high places, (tweets by Foreign Minister of Nigeria and a
Nigerian businessman, who appears to have political interests in Ghana), in
Nigeria. This is inconsistent with established practice in our very good
relations. The Press Release by the Information and Culture Minister of Nigeria
is a clear departure from the manner in which officials of the two countries have
related with each other in the past.
(VII) Accusation:
“Nigeria has time after time demonstrated its fidelity to the long cordial relations
with Ghana. But indications especially in recent times, are that Nigeria’s stance
is now being taken for granted and its citizens being made targets of harassment
and objects of ridicule. This will no longer be tolerated under any guise.”
Response: Ghana has always demonstrated her commitment to excellent
relations with Nigeria which is evidenced by the manner in which
Ghanaian Government officials dealt with recent issues, which have had severe
economic impact on our country.
Ghana did not resort to any media war. However, the Ghanaian Ministers of
Foreign Affairs and Trade travelled to Abuja to try to resolve diplomatically the
issue of closure of Nigerian borders, and to seek safe corridor for ECOWAS
Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) exports from Ghana, all to no avail. It is
expected that the response of Nigerian Authorities to situations that evolve in
our relations should be guided by the merits of the matter and our mutual
interests.
(VIII) Accusation:
That three hundred (300), six hundred (600) and two hundred and fifty (250)
shops belonging to Nigerians were closed down in 2018, 2019 and 2020
respectively
Response:
Upon evidence that some individuals, including Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians,
had been involved in various forms of trade, without complying with the laws
and regulations of Ghana, several engagements and prior advice had been given
to encourage compliance.
Ghana’s Minister for Trade and Industry personally intervened to ensure the
reopening of closed shops, pending compliance with Ghana’s laws by their
operators.
5
Among other corrective measures, the Committee on Foreigners in Retail
Trade, comprising representatives of various regulatory agencies and institutions
in Ghana, was tasked with the responsibility of conducting inspections of retail
shops in designated commercial districts in both Accra and Kumasi to ensure
compliance with retail trade laws and regulations.
The compliance exercises conducted in the selected markets revealed gross
violations of retail trade laws and regulations by Ghanaians and foreigners,
including Nigerians. These violations included tax evasion, immigration
offenses, trading in sub-standard products, violation of the Ghana Investment
Promotion Centre (GIPC) law, improper registration of firms, under-payment
of business operating permits, falsification of documents, among others.
In all cases, non-compliant shop owners are given adequate notice to regularize
their documents, before action is taken to close any shop/business.
It is an incontestable fact that there is widespread abuse and disregard for local
laws and regulations governing retail trade by some foreigners, including
Nigerians, which need to be addressed without discrimination. It is important
to note that the compliance exercise under reference is not restricted to either
ECOWAS nationals or Nigerians for that matter, but extend to all individuals
engaged in retail trade, including Ghanaians.
(IX) Accusation:
Harsh and openly biased judicial trial and pronouncements of indiscriminately
long jail terms for convicted Nigerians.
Response:
Ghana’s courts, at all material times, function independently, and with strict
respect for the Laws of Ghana, regardless of the nationalities of accused
persons. Judges neither convict nor sentence with a bias for or against
nationalities. Nigerians and Ghanaians convicted for same offenses are not
treated differently.
(X) Accusation:
Outrageous stipulations and amendments of the GIPC Act.
Response:
It is untrue that the law has been amended twice, and, accordingly, there is no
2018 GIPC Act. Further, the statement that a review of the Act has increased
the minimum capital base for foreign owned businesses to US$1.00m is false.
Perhaps the reference is to sections 27 (2 & 3) of the GIPC Act and relate solely
to persons who are not citizens but want to engage in retail trade or trading
activities, which are otherwise restricted exclusively to Ghanaians. Accordingly,
6
‘a person who is not a citizen may engage in a trading Enterprise if that person
invests in the Enterprise, not less than One Million United States Dollars in cash
or goods and services relevant to the investments. Trading includes purchasing
and selling of imported goods and services. The amount does not relate to the
broad universe of investors. We are also somewhat astonished to have the laws
of a sovereign nation described as outrageous, especially since they have not
attracted the rebuff or criticism of any regional organization, especially
ECOWAS.
The Federal Republic, on the other hand, is on record to have taken a number of steps in
recent months, in pursuit of her national interests, which have gravely affected other
countries in the Region. These include the closure of Nigeria’s Seme Krake Border from
August 2019 to date and the issuance of executive orders by Nigeria’s Presidency,
preventing foreigners from getting jobs which Nigerians can do, to mention a few. Ghana
and other West African countries continue to believe redress to even actions like these can
be sought, diplomatically, without resort to media statements and related activities that
have the potential to aggravate further the situation.
The aforementioned notwithstanding, the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Nana
Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who values very much his excellent relations with the
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadou Buhari, will
engage President Buhari with a view to develop immediately a framework for validating
claims of ill treatment of citizens of either country, and ensure citizens enjoy the full
exercise of their rights, while respecting the sovereignty and laws of both countries. Ghana
and Nigeria, as they have been doing, must continue to work together for a successful West
Africa.
-ENDKOJO OPPONG NKRUMAH (MP)
MINISTER

Ghanaians and inferiority complex. ... the whole world knows that Nigeria would crush them with a finger. Yet, they want to punch beyond their weight. Smh.

samituga:

reason your government keep lying to you through their teeth.

Continue running your mouth. You think Nigerians don't see through the actions of your people. Your minister avoided mentioning the 1million Ghanians living in Nigeria. He didn't have an answer to that. So how do the 1million Ghanians earn a living?

Mind you, when Nigeria hits Ghana down, you will stay down for decades to come. We would consign Ghana to irrelevance, hence we are being careful. Your president knows that.

BE WARNED.

samituga:

IF the kitchen is too hot just get out period

Brede(brother) from ghene (Ghana) er (are) you selling banku in Nigeria or you are begin Nigerian bellers (ballers) in your Kantri (Country) for giveaway in Tamale.


I know you folks are envious of Nigerians because we work and we ball even in your Country we "ball on u".
I have never seen any Ghanaian big boy in Nigeria like the way we have bigger boys repping Naija in Ghana.

Your people only sell banku and Donkunu here in Nigeria. Soon y'all will be dealt with,


Aje ngbo!

GeneralMarshall:


Their problem is inferiority complex. The world knows we can crush them with our fingers, but as leader in Africa, we have to show maturity.

samituga:

IF the kitchen is too hot just get out period

Don't worry. We'll eject you people soon

samituga:
Cut supply of gas to ghana? You must be living in the past omo niga.. we produce gas in gh infact we have a billion dollar gas plant in the western region.Trade btw us is negligible. There's nothing u produce that we cant buy from china. There's nothing that nigeria can do that can or will affect ghana to our knees.And remember there are more nigerians in ghana than ghanaians in nigeria. You shd proceed carefully with your actions. your government is just barking to make you guys happy.

Guy, don't make things worse for Ghanaians

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2020/01/ghanaian-president-begs-buhari-to-open-border/amp/

samituga:

IF the kitchen is too hot just get out period

You're a nonentity.

Just keep running your diarrhoea mouth while your President keeps begging.

samituga:
Cut supply of gas to ghana? You must be living in the past omo niga.. we produce gas in gh infact we have a billion dollar gas plant in the western region.Trade btw us is negligible. There's nothing u produce that we cant buy from china. There's nothing that nigeria can do that can or will affect ghana to our knees.And remember there are more nigerians in ghana than ghanaians in nigeria. You shd proceed carefully with your actions. your government is just barking to make you guys happy.

Actually there is a lot Nigeria can do we can expel you from ECOWAS that is a fact whether you like it or not. The question of whether there are more Ghanaians or Nigerians in the other country is speculation. How do you know
What exactly are the figures?


We need to focus on rules based solution


If you do not want a relationship with Nigeria come out and say so. all these pranks cannot continue for ever.

If you want Nigerians out of Ghana and vice versa let us go there. Otherwise you can play by the ECOWAS rules. The reality is if Nigeria gave ECOWAS a choice between Ghana and Nigeria we know what the choice will be do not for one second doubt that we cannot enforce that.

What we need is an adult relationship based on rules not emotions. If you do not want to be part of ECOWAS we will show you the door LEGALLY and POLITICALLY

If we decide to do so it will not take us 2 years to include all your neighbours in a single currency zone and isolate you in ways that will stupefy you.

The fact that we dot not have the right leadership now does not mean we will not for ever. We can hurt your economy a lot more than you can imagine

Nigeria should just stop whaling and learn how to do things properly and stop the lawlessness

padi94:
Ghana should just shut up... this current president is a Nigerian hater

Rugaria:
If Nigeria refuses to set example with Ghana, its only a matter of time before the likes of Guinea bisssau and cape Verde start humiliating Nigerias citizens for fun.. it has already started in places like Cameroon and Equitorial Guinea.. No matter how sweet the explanation of the Ghanaians, a decisive action should be unleashed by Nigeria to at least humble the current arrogant group of troublesome politicians in Accra. Cut gas pipeline? Impose trade sanctions? Abacha sponsored a coup in Niger! It's very obvious the current Ghanaian government holds Nigeria and her citizens in low esteem.. We do have our challenges here but that is not enough reason for every Tom Dicck and Harry to take turns killing Nigerians in West Africa of all places... But we have to face reality; this is Daurras Bubu and gang.., they will sleep off on this... There are more important things to do like defending"Libyans" killing Nigerians in Nigeria..

Cutting gas supply to Ghana will only hurt your economy as you will lose access to the largest gas market in Africa.

I know reading must be hard but The reply basically states that all of the accusations Nigeria is leveling against Ghana is out of Nigeria's own stupidity.

Secondly, it is admonishing the Nigerian government to use the proper channels of diplomacy instead of engaging in childish media fun fair

You and your delusions

Which of your banks are you referring to?

Access is partly own by Ghanaians and under the central Bank of Ghana.
GT Bank has only 2 branches operational.

POKUASI2:
All we need do is just pull our banks and your economy collapse..

Charmingrascal:


Brede(brother) from ghene (Ghana) er (are) you selling banku in Nigeria or you are begin Nigerian bellers (ballers) in your Kantri (Country) for giveaway in Tamale.


I know you folks are envious of Nigerians because we work and we ball even in your Country we "ball on u".
I have never seen any Ghanaian big boy in Nigeria like the way we have bigger boys repping Naija in Ghana.

Your people only sell banku and Donkunu here in Nigeria. Soon y'all will be dealt with,


Aje ngbo!

Lol yet you guys are trying so hard to copy our accent cuz ur Nigerian accent suck lol..

what else in Nigeria that Ghanaians will envy dude we're just feeding ur starving ppl since ur the poverty capital of the world lol

When ur done with Boko Haram and Fulani... we'll be waiting lol ur not embarrassed illiterate

Their Government really doesnt understand governance and foreign policy and international relation is a headache for them.


This response from Ghana makes the current Nigeriaan government look stupid

And shows how backward their every actions has been.

Makes them unfit to even govern Nigeria

Wizzzzmike:


Lol yet you guys are trying so hard to copy our accent cuz ur Nigerian accent suck lol..

what else in Nigeria that Ghanaians will envy dude we're just feeding ur starving ppl since ur the poverty capital of the world lol

When ur done with Boko Haram and Fulani... we'll be waiting lol ur not embarrassed illiterate

POKUASI2:
All we need do is just pull our banks and your economy collapse..

Dude tell ur ppl to start pulling the banks now ur a big joke

Just30:
Their Government really doesnt understand governance and foreign policy and international relation is a headache for them.


This response from Ghana makes the current Nigeriaan government look stupid

And shows how backward their every actions has been.

Makes them unfit to even govern Nigeria

See they can't read and understand common English that's their problem....no wonder they put an illiterate in office to govern them.... blockheaded ppl

Just30:
Cutting gas supply to Ghana will only hurt your economy as you will lose access to the largest gas market in Africa.

Then Sponsor one hungry colonel from that their ten thousand 'strong' army to unravel their democracy... Whatever it takes, we need to have very favourable governments in these capitals near us. Ghanaians have made insulting Nigerians a national pastime..

Rugaria:


Then Sponsor one hungry colonel from that their ten thousand 'strong' army to unravel their democracy... Whatever it takes, we need to have very favourable governments in these capitals near us. Ghanaians have made insulting Nigerians are national pastime

No you don't need crude force


You can control what and how Ghanaians think by deploying social media influencers

We have the online numbers and understand their culture and language BETTER THAN ANY other people on earth . It is easy to plant enough Nigerians pretending to be Ghanaians on every single Ghanain website without their even noticing IF we decide to do that. That is where Lai Mohammed should channel his energy

just like Israel tried to do with Nigerian elections

Just30:
You and your delusions

Which of your banks are you referring to?

Access is partly own by Ghanaians and under the central Bank of Ghana.
GT Bank has only 2 branches operational.

is UBA for your fathe?
Is GT bank for your father?
Is fidelity for your father?
Is Access Bank for your father?
Is first national bank for your father?
Do I even know why they're allowing you comment on nairaland when ghanaweb is blocking NIGERIANS from defending their country from those tail wagging bats throwing cheap insults to our ministers, president and Dele momodu

samituga:
1
Republic of Ghana
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
P. O. BOX M 41, ACCRA
Tel No: +233-(0)30-2227201
Fax No: +233-(0)30-2229786 EMAIL: info.moi@moi.gov.gh
August 30, 2020
STATEMENT
The Government of Ghana notes, with concern, a statement, dated Friday, August 28,
2020, issued by the Ministry of Information and Culture and signed by the Federal Minister,
Hon. Lai Mohammed, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, concerning current
relations between Ghana and Nigeria.
Ghana remains committed to the maintenance of warm relations with all sister nations,
particularly, for well-known historical reasons, with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and
will proceed to engage the Federal Government of Nigeria with a view to resolve
comprehensively and exhaustively any matters that have the potential to sour relations
between the two countries.
Ghana finds it imperative, however, from the onset, to state, for the public record, that the
outline of issues by my Nigerian counterpart is not reflective of the developments in
Ghana. Any protests, decisions or actions based on these reports will, thus, be unjustified.
We are obliged, therefore, as a first step, to provide our counterparts, as well as the
Ghanaian and Nigerian publics, with a more reflective account of events, even as we pursue
substantive diplomatic engagements to resolve matters.
(I) Accusation:
The seizure of the Nigerian Mission’s property located at No. 10, Barnes Road,
Accra which has been used as diplomatic premises by the Nigerian Government
for almost 50 years; and which action, is a serious breach of the Vienna
Convention.
Response:
This statement is inaccurate. The transaction was a commercial arrangement
between Thomas D. Hardy, a private citizen and the High Commission of
Nigeria in Ghana on 23rd October, 1959.
The terms of the Commercial Lease expired 46 years ago, without any evidence
of renewal by the High Commission of Nigeria in Ghana. The Government of
Ghana was not involved in the transaction and has not seized the property in
question.
2
(II) Accusation:
Also, even though the main reason given for the seizure of Federal Government
property at No. 10 Barnes Road in Accra is the non-renewal of Lease after
expiration, the Ghanaian authority did not give Nigeria the right of first refusal
or the notice to renew the Lease. By contrast, the lease on some of the properties
occupied by the Ghanaian Mission in Nigeria has long expired, yet
such properties have not been seized.
Response: The Government of Ghana does not, did not and never owned the
land, and has not been involved in the seizure of any property of the Nigerian
High Commission in Ghana. The land in question is owned by the Osu Stool
and managed by the Lands Commission.
In response to the claim that the lease on some of the properties owned by the
Ghana Mission in Nigeria has long expired, it must be noted that
the Government acquired a freehold land at Pope John Paul II Street in
Abuja in 1989 through a commercial arrangement, and built the current
structures on it. The staff of the Ghana High Commission in Abuja have been
living there since the construction of the current structures.
(III) Accusation:
Demolition of the Nigerian Mission’s property located at No. 19/21
Julius Nyerere Street, East Ridge, Accra, which constitutes another serious breach of
the Vienna Convention.
Response:
This statement is not factual. A search at the Lands Commission indicated that
the Nigerian High Commission failed to complete the documentation process
after paying for the land in the year 2000 A.D. The High Commission failed to
acquire the Lease and Land Title Certificate, which constitute documentation
for the said property, as well as a building permit for construction. In Ghana,
land is owned not only by the Government, but also by Stools and Families.
The demolition of the property was not carried out by agents of the Ghanaian
Government, but by agents of the Osu Stool. Nonetheless, the Government of
Ghana, valuing the relations between our two countries, has decided to restore
the property, at its own cost, to its original state for the Nigerian High
Commission, and has duly communicated same to the Nigerian Authorities. The
Government of Ghana has also agreed to facilitate the proper acquisition of title
by the Nigerian High Commission, as announced by Ghana’s Minister for
Foregin Affairs at the time of the incident.
3
(IV) Accusation:
Aggressive and incessant deportation of Nigerians from Ghana. Between
January 2018 and February 2019, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Five
(825) Nigerians were deported from Ghana.
Response:
This statement is not factual. In 2019, seven hundred (700) Nigerians, who were
found to have been involved in criminal activities such as fraud, prostitution,
armed robbery etc., were deported.
(V) Accusation:
Residency permit requirement, for which Ghana Immigration Service has placed
huge fees far higher than the fees charged by the Nigerian Immigration Service.
These include the compulsory non- citizen ID card (US$120, US$ 60 for yearly
renewal); medical examinations, including for COVID-19 which is newly
introduced (about US$ 120), and payment for residency permit (US$ 400
compared to the N700,000 being paid by Ghanaians for residency card in
Nigeria).
Response:
It must be noted that all foreigners, who apply for resident permit in Ghana,
pay same fees as stated above. These fees are not specific to Nigerians.
(VI) Accusation:
“Media war against Nigerians in Ghana. The negative reportage of issues
concerning Nigerians resident in Ghana by the Ghanaian media is fuelling an
emerging xenophobic attitude against Nigerian traders and Nigerians in general.
The immediate fallout is the incessant harassment and arrest of Nigerian traders
and closure of their shops.”
Response:
The statement is not factual. There is no media war against Nigerians in Ghana.
There is also no negative reportage on Nigerian residents in Ghana by Ghanaian
media, which could potentially lead to xenophobic attitude towards Nigerians,
particularly Nigerian traders in Ghana.
No Nigerian trader has been arrested. The closure of shops was as a result of
infractions on Ghanaian laws. Even then, those affected who are not only
Nigerians, have been given ample time to regularise their
documents. Furthermore, no Nigerian- owned shops are currently closed.
4
On the contrary, the negative reportage has been against the Ghanaian
Government from high places, (tweets by Foreign Minister of Nigeria and a
Nigerian businessman, who appears to have political interests in Ghana), in
Nigeria. This is inconsistent with established practice in our very good
relations. The Press Release by the Information and Culture Minister of Nigeria
is a clear departure from the manner in which officials of the two countries have
related with each other in the past.
(VII) Accusation:
“Nigeria has time after time demonstrated its fidelity to the long cordial relations
with Ghana. But indications especially in recent times, are that Nigeria’s stance
is now being taken for granted and its citizens being made targets of harassment
and objects of ridicule. This will no longer be tolerated under any guise.”
Response: Ghana has always demonstrated her commitment to excellent
relations with Nigeria which is evidenced by the manner in which
Ghanaian Government officials dealt with recent issues, which have had severe
economic impact on our country.
Ghana did not resort to any media war. However, the Ghanaian Ministers of
Foreign Affairs and Trade travelled to Abuja to try to resolve diplomatically the
issue of closure of Nigerian borders, and to seek safe corridor for ECOWAS
Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) exports from Ghana, all to no avail. It is
expected that the response of Nigerian Authorities to situations that evolve in
our relations should be guided by the merits of the matter and our mutual
interests.
(VIII) Accusation:
That three hundred (300), six hundred (600) and two hundred and fifty (250)
shops belonging to Nigerians were closed down in 2018, 2019 and 2020
respectively
Response:
Upon evidence that some individuals, including Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians,
had been involved in various forms of trade, without complying with the laws
and regulations of Ghana, several engagements and prior advice had been given
to encourage compliance.
Ghana’s Minister for Trade and Industry personally intervened to ensure the
reopening of closed shops, pending compliance with Ghana’s laws by their
operators.
5
Among other corrective measures, the Committee on Foreigners in Retail
Trade, comprising representatives of various regulatory agencies and institutions
in Ghana, was tasked with the responsibility of conducting inspections of retail
shops in designated commercial districts in both Accra and Kumasi to ensure
compliance with retail trade laws and regulations.
The compliance exercises conducted in the selected markets revealed gross
violations of retail trade laws and regulations by Ghanaians and foreigners,
including Nigerians. These violations included tax evasion, immigration
offenses, trading in sub-standard products, violation of the Ghana Investment
Promotion Centre (GIPC) law, improper registration of firms, under-payment
of business operating permits, falsification of documents, among others.
In all cases, non-compliant shop owners are given adequate notice to regularize
their documents, before action is taken to close any shop/business.
It is an incontestable fact that there is widespread abuse and disregard for local
laws and regulations governing retail trade by some foreigners, including
Nigerians, which need to be addressed without discrimination. It is important
to note that the compliance exercise under reference is not restricted to either
ECOWAS nationals or Nigerians for that matter, but extend to all individuals
engaged in retail trade, including Ghanaians.
(IX) Accusation:
Harsh and openly biased judicial trial and pronouncements of indiscriminately
long jail terms for convicted Nigerians.
Response:
Ghana’s courts, at all material times, function independently, and with strict
respect for the Laws of Ghana, regardless of the nationalities of accused
persons. Judges neither convict nor sentence with a bias for or against
nationalities. Nigerians and Ghanaians convicted for same offenses are not
treated differently.
(X) Accusation:
Outrageous stipulations and amendments of the GIPC Act.
Response:
It is untrue that the law has been amended twice, and, accordingly, there is no
2018 GIPC Act. Further, the statement that a review of the Act has increased
the minimum capital base for foreign owned businesses to US$1.00m is false.
Perhaps the reference is to sections 27 (2 & 3) of the GIPC Act and relate solely
to persons who are not citizens but want to engage in retail trade or trading
activities, which are otherwise restricted exclusively to Ghanaians. Accordingly,
6
‘a person who is not a citizen may engage in a trading Enterprise if that person
invests in the Enterprise, not less than One Million United States Dollars in cash
or goods and services relevant to the investments. Trading includes purchasing
and selling of imported goods and services. The amount does not relate to the
broad universe of investors. We are also somewhat astonished to have the laws
of a sovereign nation described as outrageous, especially since they have not
attracted the rebuff or criticism of any regional organization, especially
ECOWAS.
The Federal Republic, on the other hand, is on record to have taken a number of steps in
recent months, in pursuit of her national interests, which have gravely affected other
countries in the Region. These include the closure of Nigeria’s Seme Krake Border from
August 2019 to date and the issuance of executive orders by Nigeria’s Presidency,
preventing foreigners from getting jobs which Nigerians can do, to mention a few. Ghana
and other West African countries continue to believe redress to even actions like these can
be sought, diplomatically, without resort to media statements and related activities that
have the potential to aggravate further the situation.
The aforementioned notwithstanding, the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Nana
Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who values very much his excellent relations with the
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadou Buhari, will
engage President Buhari with a view to develop immediately a framework for validating
claims of ill treatment of citizens of either country, and ensure citizens enjoy the full
exercise of their rights, while respecting the sovereignty and laws of both countries. Ghana
and Nigeria, as they have been doing, must continue to work together for a successful West
Africa.
-ENDKOJO OPPONG NKRUMAH (MP)
MINISTER

That their president that looked like a pumped balloon is using NIGERIANS to divert attention from his failures..
Imagine promising heaven on Earth during campaign and doing nothing in 4 years but has borrowed more money than all the Ghanaian past govt to pay his family and friends 110 ministers and over a thousand presidential staffers..
He promised so much that Ghanaians call him KING PROMISE but has delivered little or nothing..
So seeing that he's likely to loose election after Ghanaians made a song that sings 2020 we go show NANA so as a weed smoking, all die be die pumped balloon, he realized that only NIGERIANS could be used to divert attention from monumental failure

Please admin , don't allow this Ghanaians to be commenting here cos Ghanaweb is blocking NIGERIANS from defending their country from those cheap insults directed at our president and ministers including Dele momodu..
They're wagging information war on us..

They're forcing us to accept and believe their propaganda.
Why are they all over the internet including Lai Mohammed Twitter page defending their acts of hostility towards NIGERIA and NIGERIANS can't comment on Ghanaweb without being blocked.
So they're forcing us to see and believe those lies..
I know of their current or former minister called Mustapha hameed that jumped on Lai Mohammed Twitter page and say unpleasant things about NIGERIA and NIGERIAN leaders yet NIGERIANS are bared from defending themselves in the face of this overwhelming state sponsored propaganda against NIGERIANS who are actually victims of the ghana govt aggressive behavior towards them

Be civilize

UBA is also partly Ghanaian owned and is under the Central Bank of Ghana.

GT banK is the only wholely own Nigerian bank in Ghana and they havebeen shutting down branches since 2015 such that they only have 2 operational branches today. That is a sign of a collapsed bank.

No Nigerian bank sell Ghana govt debt instrument and neither are they financiers to any government project.

Tell me how they control the economy again.

Speak with facts and stop your emotional rants

POKUASI2:
is UBA for your fathe?
Is GT bank for your father?
Is fidelity for your father?
Is Access Bank for your father?
Is first national bank for your father?
Do I even know why they're allowing you comment on nairaland when ghanaweb is blocking NIGERIANS from defending their country from those tail wagging bats throwing cheap insults to our ministers, president and Dele momodu

Alright Nigeria can dig itself into another hole so Ghana will get the entire international to sanction your economy into oblivion for being a state sponsor of terrorism.

Rugaria:


Then Sponsor one hungry colonel from that their ten thousand 'strong' army to unravel their democracy... Whatever it takes, we need to have very favourable governments in these capitals near us. Ghanaians have made insulting Nigerians a national pastime..

Just30:


Alright Nigeria can dig itself into another hole so Ghana will get the entire international to sanction your economy into oblivion for being a state sponsor of terrorism.

You should have your political tango with Lagos State not Nigeria.. This is a state in Nigeria that is about the same economic size with your dear Ghana.. Stop over-reaching! Matter of fact, with your military strength of about ten thousand men, if Nigeria is thinking of any military action, such should be 'outsourced' to the Lagos State fire service. . You stand no chance. And when you talk of sanctions, who globally in his right senses is going to sanction one of the biggest oil/gas exporter in the world- with all the big multi national players in the field, in favour of one rudderless "goldcoast" that contributes little to nothing to international trade other than producing funny looking presidents every term? Keep massaging your vaulting ego. You lot are lucky you are not dealing with an Abacha type president.

Unfortunately it wasnt lagos State that resulted to the media war, if it was, we would have allowed the Sekondi Takoradi Major to address their issues.


Dont worry, even our police service is capable of handling your military far back in Benin.


I guess you dont know that the world has more than enough oil such that Nigeria oil is insignificant in the glut.

The soft power of Ghana is far reaching but i wont boast about it today

Rugaria:


You should have your political tango with Lagos State not Nigeria.. This is a state in Nigeria that is about the same economic size with your dear Ghana.. Stop over-reaching! Matter of fact, with your military strength of about ten thousand men, if Nigeria is thinking of any military action, such should be 'outsourced' to the Lagos State fire service. . You stand no chance. And when you talk of sanctions, who globally in his right senses is going to sanction one of the biggest oil/gas exporter in the world- with all the big multi national players in the field, in favour of one rudderless "golgcoast" that contributes little to nothing to international trade other than producing funny looking presidents every term? Keep massaging your vaulting ego. You lot are lucky you are not dealing with an Abacha type president.

Rugaria:


You should have your political tango with Lagos State not Nigeria.. This is a state in Nigeria that is about the same economic size with your dear Ghana.. Stop over-reaching! Matter of fact, with your military strength of about ten thousand men, if Nigeria is thinking of any military action, such should be 'outsourced' to the Lagos State fire service. . You stand no chance. And when you talk of sanctions, who globally in his right senses is going to sanction one of the biggest oil/gas exporter in the world- with all the big multi national players in the field, in favour of one rudderless "golgcoast" that contributes little to nothing to international trade other than producing funny looking presidents every term? Keep massaging your vaulting ego. You lot are lucky you are not dealing with an Abacha type president.

Lol hahaha my tummy lol jokers

Just30:
Unfortunately it wasnt lagos State that resulted to the media war, if it was, we would have allowed the Sekondi Takoradi Major to address their issues.


Dont worry, even our police service is capable of handling your military far back in Benin.


I guess you dont know that the world has more than enough oil such that Nigeria oil is insignificant in the glut.

The soft power of Ghana is far reaching but i wont boast about it today

Amazing how you run your mouth against a people who are far better that you. I don't know what you seek but your efforts are futile.

The world knows you stand no chance, in any confrontation with Nigeria. Its pointless replying you. The problem with Ghanians is inferiority complex. We all know that.

POKUASI2:
They're forcing us to accept and believe their propaganda.
Why are they all over the internet including Lai Mohammed Twitter page defending their acts of hostility towards NIGERIA and NIGERIANS can't comment on Ghanaweb without being blocked.
So they're forcing us to see and believe those lies..
I know of their current or former minister called Mustapha hameed that jumped on Lai Mohammed Twitter page and say unpleasant things about NIGERIA and NIGERIAN leaders yet NIGERIANS are bared from defending themselves in the face of this overwhelming state sponsored propaganda against NIGERIANS who are actually victims of the ghana govt aggressive behavior towards them

Ignore Ghana. Their problem is inferiority complex.

Nigerians are getting unnecessarily emotional on this issue.

Ghana has every right to choose what kind of relationship it wants with Nigeria and Nigeria has the same. Nigeria must ,MUST, pursue its interests using LEGITIMATE tools of which it has plenty.

If Ghanaians are still bitter about 1983 Shagari quit notice they must remember that they started it first during the 1967-1970 Nigerian civil war. In fact they did not even consider humanitarian issues of war but just sent Nigerians packing.

Nigerian government SHOULD prepare for the emergency scenario of evacuation of all Nigerians from Ghana. It is not by force to have a relationship with Ghana.

The government should prepare to repatriate Nigerians from hostile countries and make it illegal to travel there., withdraw the High commission and close all consular services in Ghana.

They should make it illegal to go to university in Ghana and cease recognition of Ghanaian degrees. So e.g Nigeria should pass a law that any person who commences a degree at a Ghanaain university from next year commits a criminal offence and shall not be eligibile for NYSC or employment in Nigeria
That should also help Ghana that wants fewer Nigerians in their country.
We need to pursue stronger ties with direct neighbours like Benin,Cameroun ,Niger and Chad those are the most important countries to Nigeria.

Just30:
I know reading must be hard but The reply basically states that all of the accusations Nigeria is leveling against Ghana is out of Nigeria's own stupidity.

Secondly, it is admonishing the Nigerian government to use the proper channels of diplomacy instead of engaging in childish media fun fair

coming from a stupid slowpoke who couldn't read where his half baked, failed journalist of joyfm admitted to Nigeria paying for the said piece of land and the corrupt scumbags at the lands commission decided not to issue papers to the NIGERIAN govt. The same corrupt lands commission went ahead and sold the land or issue papers to a different person for the same land sold to the NIGERIANS.
By now, head should be rolling about that single act of fraud if we had hit them hard..
Now, how do you reconcile these 1, fraudulent behavior of an agency of the Ghanaian govt (lands commission), that fully received payment for a piece of land and failed to issue documents proving ownership to the said land.
Going ahead to sell the same land and issue papers to the third party as tho the lands commission has become market women that keep no records and given that the said property was acquired by a nation not an individual