Former NUTAG President, Chief Chukwuemeka, a Nigerian, Reacts to Abbosey Okai’s 3-Day Ultimatum

• Abossey Okai local spare parts traders issued a three-day ultimatum demanding that foreign shop owners close or vacate immediately
• Former NUTAG president Chief Nnaji pointed out that if Nigerians are not wanted, then the governments of both countries should issue visas
• Ghanaians online reacted fiercely, citing Ghana’s retail law that forbids foreigners from engaging in small-scale trading

Chief Chukwuemeka Levi Nnaji, the former Nigeria Union of Traders Association, Ghana (NUTAG) President, has reacted to Abbosey Okai spare parts dealers' 3-day ultimatum to foreign traders.

On Monday, September 8, 2025, some spare parts dealers at Abossey Okai in Accra issued a warning to foreign dealers at the enclave to close down and vacate their shops or risk being forcefully evicted.

Their outcry came after many local traders accused foreigners, like Nigerians, of selling goods at cheaper prices, claiming they have easier access to imported goods, superior capital raising avenues, and, in some instances, evade taxes.

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Nnaji reacts to Abbosey Okai traders’ 3-day ultimatum

In a quick rejoinder, Nnaji said he has tried to reach a compromise with the local traders, adding that the announcement by the local Abbosey Okai traders was never necessary to begin with.

He also claimed to be a registered member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and as such, he has a right to trade in Ghana's environment. Speaking further, he refuted the claim that Nigerian traders are only supposed to supply goods and not engage in retail.

In his words:

"If you don't want us to build the regional integration, they can block the borders. It will help us. If you are going to Nigeria you look for a visa, you are coming to Ghana you look for a visa. At least I will not be here wasting my time because I would not have even gotten the visa in the first place."

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Watch the video below:

Abbosey Okai ultimatum: Reactions to Nnaji's comment

YEN.com.gh collected reactions from Ghanaians who watched the video on TikTok. Some of the comments are below.

Allen said:

"Why is he talking with so much arrogance? They must leave immediately."

Cyborg GH wrote:

"It’s their arrogant posture when addressing issues concerning Ghana, nkwasiafuor. 😏"

Dorothy Inkoom commented:

"Living in Ghana for 30 years doesn't automatically make you a Ghanaian."

Ete_enyo said:

"Some Nigerians are doing genuine businesses in Ghana.❤️❤️"

Madiba_01 wrote:

"The law is clear. No foreigner should engage in retail trade. Such audacity. 😒 Ecowas laws are not above the constitution of Ghana."

Son Of Elohim commented:

"Section 27(1) of the Act prohibits non-Ghanaians from engaging in retail activities such as hawking or selling goods in market stalls."

Abossey Okai traders deny price hike claims

YEN.com.gh had earlier reported that some spare parts dealers debunked claims that Abossey Okai traders had inflated prices despite purchasing stock before the cedi’s recovery.

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According to a trader, his items before the dollar drop had also been discounted, citing fairness and the need to support everyday Ghanaians.

He urged fairness from all sides, noting that if the government was helping to stabilise the economy, traders should ease consumer pressure.

Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh