The sports category has moved to a new website.

Ghana's ex-president, John Mahama wants Nigeria to focus on strengthening institutions instead of closing borders

A former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama says Nigeria must strengthen its institutions mandated to prevent smuggling instead of punishing importer and exporters by closing its borders.

Former President John Mahama

Mr Mahama said the oil-rich country must implement pragmatic measures instead of closing its Seme-Krake, Igolo, and Idiroko borders to other West African countries.

He was speaking at the 7th Anniversary of the Realnews Magazine in Lagos, Nigeria.

Mr Mahama said, “it is problematic that sub-regional activities and trade should suffer because of domestic institutional weaknesses."

“Nigeria must invest in strengthening its institutions and systems that are responsible for the importation of illegal or prohibited goods,” he added.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Nigerian government closed its borders in August 2019. This has left Cross-border traders from Ghana, Benin and other countries stranded as their goods perish.

Meanwhile, Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has appealed to Ghanaian traders to remain calm as it works with the Nigerian authority to open its borders.

The Ministry said this is affecting regional trade and people-to-people contact.

“In addition to the closure of the borders and its effects, Ghana has to deal with measures already enforced in Nigeria that have made it difficult for Ghanaian traders to export Non-Traditional products into the Nigerian markets in spite of the ECOWAS trade Liberation Scheme,” the ministry said in a statement.

ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: news@pulselive.co.ke

Recommended articles

African countries with the highest divorce rate

African countries with the highest divorce rate

10 African cities with the highest crime index at the start of 2024

10 African cities with the highest crime index at the start of 2024

Machoka at 70: Emotions run high during Citizen TV presenter's birthday [Video]

Machoka at 70: Emotions run high during Citizen TV presenter's birthday [Video]

Diwali 2022: Is Monday a public holiday in Kenya?

Diwali 2022: Is Monday a public holiday in Kenya?

Akothee finally reveals reasons for separating from Omosh 1 month after wedding

Akothee finally reveals reasons for separating from Omosh 1 month after wedding

Man, once a ‘billionaire’, recounts how he lost wealth, now sells his book on streets [Video]

Man, once a ‘billionaire’, recounts how he lost wealth, now sells his book on streets [Video]

Details of Ngina Kenyatta's luxurious restaurant

Details of Ngina Kenyatta's luxurious restaurant

Zero Chills! Jackie Matubia's advice for Milly Chebby amid the unfollow drama

Zero Chills! Jackie Matubia's advice for Milly Chebby amid the unfollow drama

Nigerian royal dignitaries, including four kings and a queen, expected to attend Museveni’s 50th wedding anniversary celebrations

Nigerian royal dignitaries, including four kings and a queen, expected to attend Museveni’s 50th wedding anniversary celebrations

ADVERTISEMENT