The Ghana Onion Sellers Association says political interference is behind the blockade of onion trucks, warning of supply shortages and higher prices if the standoff continues.
The Association says the continued detention of onion-laden trucks entering Ghana is threatening the steady flow of produce from major supply corridors across West Africa, with the situation now posing a risk to traders, consumers and food vendors.
Speaking in an interview, the Association’s spokesperson, Mustapha Sulemana Talimu, accused a small faction within the trade of politicising what should be a straightforward commercial activity.
“It is a small group doing that. They are thinking it is their government, so whatever decision they take, they have it whether you like it or not.
“This business does not need politics. People have bought onions, the trucks are here, and with the hot season, the onions could spoil in three to four days.” - Mustapha Sulemana Talimu
Cross-Border Trade Dispute Escalates
According to the Association, the dispute stems from tensions between a Kusasi group of Ghanaian traders and Nigerian transporters after earlier restrictions were imposed on Nigerian traders in Accra, preventing them from offloading goods.
That action is said to have sparked retaliation in Samia, a town in Kebbi State, Nigeria, where trucks belonging to Ghanaian traders carrying onions and other vegetables from Galimi in Niger have reportedly been blocked.
Talimu said the standoff has gone beyond a local market disagreement and now affects a wider regional trading network involving stakeholders from Ghana, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.
Prices Could Rise if Deadlock Persists
The Association is warning that if the impasse is not resolved quickly, Ghana’s domestic onion market could experience supply constraints and price hikes within days.
Talimu said discussions have already been held with national security authorities, but no breakthrough has yet been achieved.
“We had discussions with National Security yesterday, but no conclusion was reached. We are still talking to them.
“Once the Kusasi group releases the Nigerian trucks, the situation can be resolved. Until then, all trucks remain seized.” - Mustapha Sulemana Talimu
With onions being highly perishable, traders fear prolonged delays could lead to major losses and intensify pressure on food prices nationwide.
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