Nigerian traders on Wednesday flayed ECOWAS’ silence over the closure of borders by the Ghana government, thus violating the policy on free movement in the region.

President of the Nigerian Union of Traders Association in Ghana (NUTAG), Chukwuemeka Nnaji, spoke against the backdrop of delays by Ghana authorities to reopen shops owned by Nigerians.

He disclosed that their shops were closed since March 2020.

According to him, the borders are still closed by the Ghanaian authority and Nigerians who ply that route suffer harassment and extortion.

“It has never been this bad since I have been going through the West African highways for over 20 years.

“Mile Two to the Aflao border is now a nightmare for traders.

“The way it is now, you cannot predict the possible duration of your journey. The journey through this path has become so dangerous.

“Since the Ghanaian border was closed for almost 18 months now, citizens of West African States have suffered so much in the hands of the Ghanaian immigration and police,” Mr Nnaji said.

According to him, traders in the route spend between N20,000 and N100,000 plying the border route.

“Also, the COVID-19 test does not help matters. After testing negative in Nigeria, one may test positive in Ghana; that is another $606 unplanned expenses.

“Majority of us cannot travel out of Ghana because of the cost.

“Transportation of goods has also become expensive and time-consuming.

“Vehicles transporting goods can spend up to three months instead of five days.

“I, therefore, call on ECOWAS to intervene and come to our aid because the situation is getting tougher by the,” Mr Nnaji appealed.