The Politics Of Trade Disputes In The Fourth Republic: The Case Of Ghana And Nigeria.

Abstract

The relation between Ghana and Nigeria over the years can be described as oscillatory because of the occasional twist and turn. Notably, trade dispute was one of the challenges that marred the relationship between the two countries. The intermittent trade disputes between the two countries triggered the quest of the researcher to assess the fundamental driving forces of the impasse, identify the politico-economic effects of the disputes on both countries and provide some recommendations to dealing with the problem. Relevant related literature was reviewed thematically and International Regime theory was used to underpin the research. The study used a qualitative research approach to gather in-depth data from respondents through interviews and observations. Thematic analysis was used as an approach for data interpretation and discussion. The relevant literature and the findings revealed that the inconsistencies of ECOWAS protocols with the national trade policies, the use of protectionist economic policies such as the “prohibited goods” policy by Nigeria against Ghana and the implementation of GIPC Act 2013 (865), border closure, and lockdown of Nigerian retail shops were some of the fundamental driving forces of the trade disputes between the countries in the fourth republic. Economically, the occasional trade disturbances led to the loss of capital and revenue of traders from both sides. This phenomenon triggered the call by some Nigerian politicians and official to sever diplomatic ties with Ghana. Notwithstanding these challenges, there was an initiative of both governments to finding a lasting solution to the menace