A wave of anti-Nigerian protests has erupted in Ghana’s capital, Accra, and other cities, with demonstrators demanding the expulsion of Nigerians from the country.
The protests, which have drawn national and international attention, are being driven by allegations linking Nigerians particularly of Igbo descent to rising crime, including kidnapping, armed robbery, prostitution, ritual killings, and the perceived dominance of Nigerians in business and land ownership.
Chanting slogans such as “Nigerians must go because you can’t be in someone’s country and be doing anyhow,” the protesters carried placards accusing Nigerians of undermining local values and security.
Many referenced the infamous 1983 “Ghana Must Go” expulsions, suggesting that history is repeating itself, but in reverse.
In 1983, Nigeria, under President Shehu Shagari, expelled nearly two million undocumented immigrants mostly Ghanaians due to economic challenges. That episode remains deeply etched in West African memory, symbolized by the iconic red, blue, and white flannel “Ghana Must Go” bags still in use today.
Reacting to the protests, the Federal Government of Nigeria has called for calm and promised to address the matter through diplomatic channels.
In an official statement, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, assured Nigerians in Ghana that the government is monitoring the situation closely and will engage Ghanaian authorities to ensure their safety and rights are protected.
“Nigeria and Ghana share deep-rooted historical, political, and economic ties. We are committed to resolving this issue through peaceful dialogue,” Ebienfa said.
“While we recognize the concerns raised by the protesters, we urge Ghanaian authorities to act responsibly and uphold the rights of all residents, irrespective of nationality,” the statement added.
Ebienfa further stated that Nigeria would not retaliate or escalate tensions but would instead seek to preserve long-standing relations between the two countries.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s belief in regional cooperation and the spirit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which advocates for free movement and integration among member states.
Despite Nigeria’s assurances, the Ghanaian government has yet to issue a formal response to the protests or clarify its position on the status of Nigerian residents in the country.
The development has drawn concern from human rights groups and migration experts who warn that the protests reflect a troubling resurgence of xenophobia in parts of Africa. Similar sentiments have previously sparked violence and discrimination against Nigerians in countries like South Africa and Uganda.
In Ghana, the protests have also taken an ethnic dimension, with Igbo Nigerians being singled out over economic success and leadership roles in local communities.
The controversy surrounding the installation of an “Igbo king” in Ghana has also fueled resentment, reigniting debates over the influence of foreigners in domestic affairs.
As tensions simmer, Nigeria’s federal government continues to appeal for calm and restraint, while urging Ghanaians to embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
For now, the fate of many Nigerians living in Ghana remains uncertain as diplomatic efforts unfold.
