Date: 2020-09-04

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who is also the Olu- Omo of Yorubaland in Ghana, Alhaji Mashood Mustapha has appealed to Nigerians resident in Ghana and the host Community to amicably resolve their trade disputes in a mutually acceptable manner.

According to him, the two countries have long time trade interest and various common political and cultural heritages as far back as early sixties which needed to be sustained.

Alhaji Mustapha who spoke with VON in Ilorin recalled that the immediate past President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama is related to Offa community in Kwara State, adding that most Nigerians have seen Ghana as their second home and vice versa hence the need for the two countries to be each other's brothers' keeper.

The Olu-Omo commended the maturity demonstrated by the two countries in handling the matter so as to guide against the incident in South Africa during the period of xenophobic attack where Nigerians and some other foreign nationals were senselessly killed and their properties destroyed.

Alhaji Mustapha commended President Muhammadu Buhari for sending a powerful delegation to Ghana led by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila to the country to find a permanent and lasting peace among the two nation's over their present trade disputes and further deepening their diplomatic relationship.

He called for greater bilateral and trade ties that would guide against a repeat of the present perceived harsh trade crackdown between the two countries.

The Olu-Omo who was a former member of the House of Representatives said that the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world calls for caution among all neighboring countries particularly Africa as it has to do with their trade activities so as not to further compound the economic challenges presently ravaging the entire world.

According to him, Nigeria and Ghana are the largest and second largest economies in West Africa more so that Nigeria has been a very important source of investment in Ghana.

Alhaji Mustapha praised the maturity so far displayed by Nigerians in Ghana most especially the traders as trade relationship between the two countries are crucial and therefore implored them to further demonstrate the peaceful togetherness Nigerians are known for at home and in the diaspora.

He implored the Oba of Yoruba Community in Ghana, Oba Hamzat Peregrimo Brimah to urgently organize a stakeholders meeting among the concerned citizens and the various traders associations with the government of Ghana to find a lasting solutions to the impasse.