Two Nigerian traders attempted suicide over $1m Ghana trade levy – Abike Dabiri

Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Abike Dabiri-Erewa on Monday said two Nigerian traders in Ghana attempted suicide over the $1million business equity required by the authorities.

Nigerian traders have been having a hard time doing business in Ghana over the requirement and other conditions. Most of them have had their shops shut for months.

Mrs Dabiri-Erewa said during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme that it was painful that engagements with the Ghanaian authorities on the plight of Nigerian traders in the country have not yielded needed results.

“We don’t have a problem at the government level; we have a problem at the people level. The government of Ghana has willingly said, ‘Open these shops’ but the people are not complying,” she said.

“I hope you know that three years ago, a Nigerian lady committed suicide. And as I speak with you, another two are on the verge of suicide but they are going through some kind of counselling with the message of hope that things will be better.

“As at today, it’s been over one year. Now, they have to pay rent for their shops, they don’t have money for rent. How can you pay rent when your shop has been closed forever?”