It is so apparent that the rate of loathing and detestation against Nigerians in some African countries is becoming so alarming which demands urgent attention.
Evidently, Nigerians have a track record of breaking through and prospering in any strange environment or foreign country they found themselves, this singular act has attracted huge aversion against Nigerians living in most African countries.
For the same course, Nigeria lost properties worth billions properties, to Xenophobic attaks in South Africa which is not far from the recent events that is gradually unfolding and playing out in Ghana.
Nigerian living in Ghana have continued to suffer abuse and humiliation in the hands of Ghanaian authorities as businesses are being suppressed, closed down and forcefully locked up their shops including those whose papers and tax payments were up to date.
However, the recent interview with the VCN TV depicts that Ghanaians see Nigerians living in Ghana as a threat, due to the way they thrive in business. See how Ghana respondents express their greviances and displeasure over the way Nigerians businesses flourish.
“It is good they are closing down Nigerian shops. They are spoiling our market with cheap prices. I used to have a Nigerian neighbor close to my shop. When I learnt that the authorities have closed down his shop. I was really pleased”, a Ghanian trader said.
Anothoe Ghanian trader said “Nigerians are spoiling our market with cheap prices.
A product that sells for 5 Ghana Cedis. Nigerians will come and start selling it for 3 Ghana Cedis.
We borrowed money to rent our shops we need to make profit when we sell.”
These among many others were the opinions of Ghanaian traders who were interviewed today on what they feel about Ghana police closing down Nigerian traders shops.
It would be worthy of note that this recent development is seemingly a mere violation to the 1979 ECOWAS Protocol on the Free Movement of People and the rights of West Africans to trade and residency.
This is indeed a call for action on ECOWAS, as Africans look up to putting an end to any form of Xenophobic attacks on Africans and also to support the resurgence of Pan-Africanism as Xenophobia often depicts a crisis of moral panic; illusionary, irrational and perceived fear; or “fear of the unknown”.
By Chinenye Gertrude
GGB reports
Gbos Gist Blog 