News:
November 12, 2019
In the wake of the brouhaha surrounding the closure of the Nigerian boarder to protect the country against banned goods entering its country, Member of Parliament for Wa Central Dr. Rashid Pelpuo contributing to a statement on the floor of the House noted that Ghana should start re-examining what would be in its interest as Nigeria is doing.
According to the Wa Central lawmaker, in 2004 Ghana banned rice importation but pressure was brought on her to reverse its decision in 2006.
He lamented over the conduct of Nigeria despite being part of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and not following the protocol of the sub-region, saying “Ghana would have to take a second look if we should not take such a decision”.
Dr. Pelpuo added that it would protect the interest of Ghana to improve trade in the private sector and boost revenue and advice Ghana to start early to consider such steps.
And further lamented over the action taken by Nigeria and pointed out that it would affect most of the countries in the West African sub-region that do business with Nigeria since their trade is informal.
On a smaller scale there is movement of goods and services across the border with Nigeria in a manner that is not very much regulated, Benin has fifty percent of its informal trade with Nigeria, and this is causing pain.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/ghanamps.com