The Ghana Onion Sellers Association has blamed political interference for the ongoing blockade of trucks transporting onions into the country, warning that the situation could soon lead to a spike in prices.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Sunday, April 5, the association’s spokesperson, Mustapha Sulemana Talimu, said a small faction within the industry is politicising trade decisions, resulting in the seizure of trucks from Nigeria and other neighbouring countries.
“It is a small group doing that. They are thinking it is their government, so whatever decision they take, they have it whether you like it or not. This business does not need politics. People have bought onions, the trucks are here, and with the hot season, the onions could spoil in three to four days,” Talimu said.
The dispute reportedly stems from tensions between the Kusasi group of Ghanaian traders and Nigerian transporters. Nigerian traders had faced restrictions offloading their goods in Accra, prompting retaliatory action in Samia, a town in Kebbi State, Nigeria, where several Ghanaian trucks transporting onions and other vegetables from Galimi in Niger were blocked and detained.
Talimu noted that the dispute has affected multiple groups within the onion business, including traders from Ghana, Nigeria, and even Côte d’Ivoire.
He warned that unless the standoff is resolved quickly, onion supplies will be severely disrupted, driving up costs for consumers.
“We had discussions with National Security yesterday, but no conclusion was reached. We are still talking to them. Once the Kusasi group releases the Nigerian trucks, the situation can be resolved. Until then, all trucks remain seized,” he added.
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