By Erewunmi Peace

Tensions flared in Ghana after authorities confronted a Nigerian businessman who refused to shut down his shop despite an official directive.

According to reports, the Nigerian trader, who has lived in Ghana since 2007, was asked by a market taskforce to close his business on grounds that he was allegedly violating local trade regulations. Ghanaian laws restrict foreign nationals from engaging in certain categories of retail trade, particularly within local markets.

The trader, however, insisted that he possessed all the necessary legal certifications to operate and therefore refused to comply with the closure order. The confrontation quickly drew attention from local traders and passersby, sparking debate over the treatment of foreign business owners in the country.

The chairman of the local market association explained that the directive was based on existing laws prohibiting foreigners from simultaneously engaging in both wholesale and retail trade within the market. Despite this, the Nigerian insisted on his right to operate legally, leading to a standoff.

Videos of the incident circulating on social media have since fueled mixed reactions. While some Ghanaians argue that the law must be respected to protect local traders, others believe the enforcement unfairly targets Nigerians and other foreign nationals contributing to Ghana’s economy.

The issue adds to the long-standing tensions between Ghanaian authorities and Nigerian traders, with similar confrontations reported in markets such as Abossey Okai in Accra. Both governments have in the past intervened diplomatically to ease trade-related disputes.

As of now, it remains unclear whether the shop will be forcibly shut down or whether further negotiations will be pursued.