Reopening Of Nigerian Shops In Ghana

For once in a long, while some diplomatic efforts to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians living in foreign lands appear to be recording a heart-warming breakthrough.

Shops and small businesses belonging to Nigerians about 400 in all shut by the Ghanaian authorities are gradually being reopened.

This much was confirmed by the Nigerian High Commissioner in Accra, Ambassador Michael Olufemi Abikoye, after being briefed by the President of the Nigerian Union of Traders Associations Ghana, Mr Chukwuemeka Nnaji.

Between June and August this year, a task force of the Ghana government closed some shops and arrested their owners for alleged failure to comply with the country’s laws, particularly the stipulation that foreign-owned businesses must have $300,000 capital base (it was increased to one million dollars this year) and employ at least 10 Ghanaians or they must be shut down.