Nigerian community pleads with Ghanaian authorities to consider downward review of cost of residence, business permits

The Acting President of the All Nigerian Community (Ghana Chapter) Dr Bayor Albert Asaolu has pleaded with Ghanaian authorities to reconsider the cost of permits for foreign nationals residing in the country, especially Nigerians.

Dr Asaolu made the plea when he met various stakeholders of the Nigerian community to discuss major issues affecting Nigerians. High on the list was the influx of underaged girls and boys who are lured to Ghana to engage in prostitution and fraud.

Speaking at the presser at the International Press Center in Ghana’s capital, Accra on Wednesday, August 23, he noted that a downward reduction in the cost of residence and business permits would significantly enhance the business prospects between both countries.

According to him, both countries can be Africa’s economic hub but there must be a deliberate effort to improve their economies.

“I want to appeal to our leaders to look into certain areas that are really affecting us. Let me say without any iota of contradiction that, the issue of business, travel and residency in these countries be considered,” he pleaded.

“The cost of acquiring resident and business permit be looked into. I believe, if these two countries allow free flow of business and citizens between themselves, we shall be the economic hub of Africa and the world over will come to learn from us. Today, India is over a billion people and Ghana and Nigeria put together is not up to One Fourth of this population.”

“Let's think inward and improve our economies. I agree that we will have a few challenges but, every challenge will always have a solution,” he added.

An appeal was made further of the Ghana Police Service to manage its harsh and excessive treatment of Nigerians who are alleged to have committed a crime or linked to crimes.

“In the meantime, I want to call on the govt of our host country to help us speak to the law enforcement agencies to tamper justice with mercy in how Nigerians are handled here. Our experience shows that all crimes committed are mostly attributed to Nigeria which are not so.”

The All Nigerian Community (ANC-GH) is the umbrella organization of over four (4) million Nigerians residing in Ghana.

Recognized and supported by the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the constitutional mandate of the organization is to foster peace among Nigerians and the host country’s citizens for mutual cooperation and benefits.

ANC-GH composition is made up of Nigerians from the six (6) political Zones of Nigeria comprising the North Central, North East, North West, South West, South East, and south- South including Abuja the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.