Nigerian onion trucks detained in Ghana spark trade dispute

The Regional Observatory of Onion in West and Central Africa (ORO) reported that several Nigerian onion trucks have been held at Kotoku Market in Ghana since July 21 after Ghanaian traders allegedly prevented the consignments from being off‑loaded. ORO President Alhaji Aliyu Maitasamu (also referred to as Isa Aliyu) warned that the delay threatens the quality of the perishable produce and is causing heavy financial losses for Nigerian farmers, exporters and transporters. He appealed to the Ghanaian government to release the trucks immediately and warned that “if this situation persists, the quality of the produce will continue to deteriorate, leading to avoidable economic losses”. ORO has also urged the Nigerian federal government to intervene, noting that the blockage contravenes ECOWAS trade protocols and the African Continental Free Trade Area. The association issued a 12‑hour ultimatum for a resolution, saying it will take appropriate measures to protect the interests of Nigerian onion traders if the trucks are not released.