A wave of xenophobic protests erupted across parts of Ghana this week, with demonstrators chanting “Nigerians must go” in a disturbing echo of past tensions between the two West African nations. The protests, which took place in key cities including Accra and Kumasi, were reportedly driven by allegations that Nigerians were contributing to rising crime and dominating local businesses.
Protesters carried placards accusing Nigerian nationals of various crimes, including prostitution, ritual killings, child abductions, and land grabbing. Some claimed Nigerians were responsible for installing an “Igbo king” in Ghana and called for what they described as the “reclamation” of their communities.
In one viral video, a protester declared:
“Nigerians must go because you can’t be in someone’s country and be doing anyhow.”
Another protester added:
“They’ve hijacked our lands, taken over our markets… we will take back our country.”
Federal government reacts
Reacting swiftly, the Nigerian Federal Government expressed strong condemnation of the protests, describing the development as deeply troubling. According to sources in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian government is “fuming” over the resurgence of hostility targeted at its citizens.
A senior government official stated:
“The safety, dignity, and rights of Nigerians abroad cannot and will not be compromised. We are engaging with the Ghanaian authorities to ensure the security of our people.”
The government warned that it would not hesitate to take diplomatic actions if the harassment of Nigerians continues unchecked. Officials stressed the need for Ghana to uphold its international obligations to protect all residents, regardless of nationality.
No official statement from Ghana yet
As of the time of reporting, the Ghanaian government has yet to issue a formal response or clarification regarding the protests or the concerns raised by Nigeria. The silence has further heightened diplomatic tension, prompting calls for immediate dialogue between the two countries.
Historical irony
The current wave of anti-Nigerian sentiment has drawn comparisons to the 1983 “Ghana Must Go” episode, when Nigeria expelled nearly two million undocumented West African migrants, the majority of whom were Ghanaians. The phrase became iconic, symbolized by the chequered bags used by fleeing migrants.
Now, more than four decades later, the phrase has seemingly reversed, with Nigerians facing a similarly hostile climate in Ghana.
Calls for calm and diplomacy
Diplomatic observers and civil society groups have called for restraint and peaceful resolution. Analysts warn that unless swiftly addressed, the situation could damage the long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Ghana—two major players in the ECOWAS sub-region.
The Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to protecting its citizens abroad while emphasizing that bilateral relations must be built on mutual respect, security, and cooperation.
