Trucks carrying onions and other vegetables from Niger to Ghana, which were recently detained in Nigeria, have been released, bringing relief to traders and stakeholders in the regional agricultural trade.
The vehicles, transporting perishable goods, were reportedly blocked by suspected armed men in Samia, raising concerns over potential spoilage and disruption of supply chains. The incident also sparked fears of escalating tensions along a key West African trading corridor critical to Ghana’s vegetable imports.
Oscar Akaba, National Coordinator of the Cross Border Traders Association, confirmed that the issue was resolved following high-level engagements involving Ghana’s Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, local onion associations, and other stakeholders.
He explained that a committee was formed to de-escalate the situation, allowing Nigerian trucks in Ghana to return and the release of nearly 56 Ghana-bound trucks from Nigeria and Benin, ensuring the continuation of trade and stability in the regional agricultural supply chain.