Ghana Urged to Release Detained Nigerian Onion Trucks

Isa Aliyu, the President of the Regional Observatory of Onion in West and Central Africa (ORO), has appealed to the Government of Ghana for the immediate release of Nigerian onion trucks detained at Kotoku Market in Accra since July 21, 2026. The trucks, carrying highly perishable onions, have been blocked by Ghanaian onion traders despite diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue.

Aliyu emphasized that this situation threatens the stability of trade relations between Nigeria and Ghana, causing significant financial losses for Nigerian exporters and farmers reliant on onion sales. He noted that both countries are signatories to the ECOWAS Protocol and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which support the free movement of goods.

Aliyu criticized the unfair treatment of Nigerian traders compared to their Ghanaian counterparts, who operate freely in Nigeria. He stated that Nigeria is expected to supply 16 trucks of onions weekly to Ghana, while Ghanaian traders purchase over 50 trucks from Nigeria weekly.

Aliyu issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the trucks' release, warning of further actions if unresolved.