Nigeria-Ghana onion trade collapses amid trader clashes

Nigerian onion traders have suspended all exports to Ghana, citing persistent harassment of their members and the seizure of trucks by local trader groups in Accra — a development that threatens one of the most significant agricultural trade flows within the ECOWAS region.

Leaders of Nigerian onion marketers announced the decision on Sunday in a statement issued in Sokoto, saying the suspension would remain in force until the safety of Nigerian traders was guaranteed and a fair trading environment restored.

The traders said the situation escalated following a dispute at Kotoku Market, a major distribution hub in the Ghanaian capital, which allegedly led to the confiscation of trucks loaded with Nigerian onions.

“Our members have faced sustained harassment, intimidation and interference in their legitimate trading activities,” the group said, describing the truck seizures as a serious breach of established trade norms that had created a hostile environment for Nigerian merchants operating in Ghana.

“This latest action has disrupted normal commercial activities. The suspension has become necessary to prevent further losses, protect traders from continued harassment and draw urgent attention to the situation,” they added.

The traders stressed the measure was temporary but warned that normal exports would not resume until the dispute was resolved.

Nigeria is one of West Africa’s largest onion producers, supplying significant volumes to Ghana and other neighbouring countries. Industry observers cautioned that a prolonged suspension could disrupt food supply chains and drive up commodity prices across the sub-region.

The traders called on authorities in both Nigeria and Ghana, as well as ECOWAS institutions, to intervene urgently, investigate the truck seizures and take steps to protect Nigerian traders operating in Ghana.