National Organizer of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Clement Boateng, has expressed disappointment in the Government of Nigeria for closing their land borders to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Nigeria closed its border as it recorded its first death from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Secretary to the government, Boss Mustapha disclosed that the closure would last for four weeks.
Addressing the issue on Peace FM’s 'Kokrokoo’, the GUTA National Secretary was of the view that the Nigerian government should have informed member States of ECOWAS before proceeding to take such action.
He bemoaned the Nigerian government for failing to give prior notice to neighbouring countries like Ghana, knowing that closing the border abruptly would cause major problems to traders and business tycoons who use the border.
Clement Boateng told host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Thursday, April 2, 2020 that Nigeria is becoming authoritarian government in the Sub-Region and it’s about time for ECOWAS to bring them to order.
“Nigeria thinks they are the biggest economy in the Sub-Region and so would want to dictate to us. It’s about time that the ECOWAS Commission calls Nigeria to order because we all belong to the Commission. So, if there is the need to close the border, you have to inform your member States to give a prior notice to their citizens that from this period, every person must do his or her business before the period," he lamented.
Mr. Boateng however advised traders in the country to use other means to transact business.
“We have advised our traders that they should look for other options," because the Nigerian borders will not be opened for them any time soon until the pandemic is dealt within the country, he said.
Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana
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It is too late. Now, they are justified closing their border. If you want yours opened then they probably should, but does it make sense at this time, NO!
Mr Secretary please Nigeria's Government official 1 is a retired soldier and dont give a sh*t to your lawlessness when every country in the world has locked down. How can he open his gate to you when every government is fighting against Chinese and ndc coronavirus? Look at the lawlessness that ndc coronavirus is showing in Ghana trying to infect every Ghanaian with their virus so giving the security apparatus hectic time in lock down areas and when they are whipped their flagbearer comes out to give orders to why the security forces have to discipline his goroboys and ask his goroboys to attack anyone who speak against his goroboys flouting the law.... like he is a President forgetting his is in opposition never to come back... ndc flagbearer really has short memory.....somebody tell him he is in opposition so he should be in his lane.
Unfortunately, Sir, the lives of citizens of every country including Nigeria, are more important than trade or ECOWAS rules. The government of Nigeria has done exactly what every responsible government will do at this time of uncertainty so I do not see anything wrong here.