Abstract:
The bilateral relations between Ghana and Nigeria dates back to pre-colonial times.
However, intermittent disagreements between Nigerian retailers and their Ghanaian
counterparts in Ghana have serious repercussion on their bilateral relations. The purpose
of the study was to analyse the effects of these trade disagreements on international
relations using the case of Nigerian and Ghanaian traders in the New Juaben South
Municipality, Ghana. The study used the qualitative research approach and a semistructured
interview guide to obtain primary data, which were subsequently analyzed
using thematic analysis. The study found that the Nigerian retailers use both approved
and unapproved routes to enter the New Juaben South Municipality. The study also
revealed that the business climate in the municipality, the legal frameworks for protecting
ECOWAS citizens and the settlement plans of the Nigerian retailers constitute the
reasons for the increased Nigerian retailers in the New Juaben South Municipality. The
study also revealed positive and negative effects of the activities of the Nigerian retailers
where the local economy is boosted but lawlessness abounds, taxes are evaded, the
growth of Ghanaian businesses decline and inaccessibility of credit facilities to support
Ghanaian businesses is commonplace. The study further revealed that Ghana may not
attract foreign investors due to the implication that it is a hostile country to foreigners.
The study found that there is the possibility of being sanctioned by international
organisations which frown on trade impasse and a probable weakening cordial
relationship that exists between Ghana and Nigeria. As a consequence of the alternating
trade disagreements between Ghanaian and Nigerian retailers, the study recommends
strict enforcement of immigration laws, start-up capital for retailers to enhance their
trading activities and laws that deter foreigners especially traders unnecessarily should be
waived in Ghana.
Description:
A Thesis in the Department of Political Science Education,
Faculty of Social Sciences Education, submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Political Science)
in the University of Education, Winneba