No fewer than 753 Nigerians living and working in Ghana have asked to be evacuated back home, The Nation learnt.
The evacuation, they said has become necessary because of the
constant and consistent harassment, intimidation, torture and threat to
life as well as a total lockdown of their means of livelihood, as their shops for almost one year by the Ghanaian Authorities.
The Nigerians under the auspices of Nigerian
Union of Traders Association in Ghana, (NUTAG) also said that the diplomatic niceties at the highest level between
Nigeria and Ghana have not yielded any positive results.
NUTAG also noted that their situation have been compounded by the fact that landlords are asking for rent on shops that have been locked for so long.
They lamented in a “Save our Soul” letter to the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Abike Dabiri-Erewa in
Abuja, that they are dying under the heavy yoke the Ghanaian authorities have placed on them.
The letter was presented by a delegation led by President, National Association of
Nigerian Traders, (NANTS) Dr Ken Ukoaha alongside the President of
Nigerian Union of Traders Association in Ghana (NUTAG) and other members
of the Association.
Their request among others as contained in the letter include providing a peaceful and secure evacuation of Nigerians in Ghana back home to Nigeria. The letter has names of 753
members who signed to be supported to return home.
They explained that the evacuation has become necessary because of the
constant and consistent harassment, intimidation, torture and threat to
life as well as a total lockdown of their means of livelihood, as their shops have been locked for almost one year by the Ghanaian Authorities.
“More so, since all diplomatic niceties at the highest level between
Nigeria and Ghana have not yielded positive results, they are left with
no choice than to ask for evacuation. “Now, landlords are coming to ask
us for rent . How do we pay with our shops locked up for so long .
“We are dying here”, they lamented .
However, the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Hon Abike
Dabiri-Erewa once again called for peace, stressing that all relevant Stakeholders will continually be engaged.She said it is indeed sad that their Shops have not been reopened for almost one year citing draconian
conditions which are against ECOWAS Protocols of Free Trade and movement
of goods and services.
The NIDCOM BOSS however, pleaded again with the Traders not to allow tempers rise as she will convey their message for support to relocate back home to the appropriate authorities for further consideration and
to speed up the process with strategic Ministries and Agencies to bring
a lasting solution to the issues.
Mrs Dabiri-Erewa also said Nigeria will not hesitate to gladly and safely welcome her Citizens back to the Country.
