Why Ghanaians Are Rising Up Against Nigerians

oleh admin | Agu 11, 2025 | controversies, ghana, government, nigeria, politics

Conflict escalated between Nigeria and Ghana towards the end of July as some Ghanaians marched through the streets calling for the expulsion of Nigerians after several crimes occurred in the nation, which were attributed to foreigners.

Several Ghanaian citizens organized a demonstration in Accra, calling for the swift removal of Nigerians from their nation due to claims of participation in criminal activities and societal issues.

Demonstrators held up signs bearing slogans like “Nigers Must Leave,” “Stop Abduction,” “End Sex Work,” “Cease Violent Theft,” “Combat Deception,” and “Put an End to Sacrificial Killings.”

They further blamed certain Nigerians residing in Ghana for contributing to instability and declining morality within their nation. Some protest signs held by demonstrators included messages such as “Who safeguards the rights and freedoms of Ghanaians?” “Nigerians are abducting individuals for ritual purposes,” and “Our children are disappearing.”

A popular online video showed multiple demonstrators wrapped in the Ghanaian national flag, with some wearing red attire – a customary emblem of defiance.

A woman demonstrator, wearing red and carrying a sign, stated, “Nigerians should leave because you can’t just do whatever you want in another person’s country.”

A different sign stated, “Our Health Is at Risk Because of Widespread Prostitution,” highlighting increasing public dissatisfaction with supposed health and safety dangers reportedly associated with the actions of certain Nigerian citizens within the nation.

A demonstrator, who was on a motorbike, stated that the influx of Nigerians into Ghana was contributing to rising instability within the nation.

He mentioned that there would be a moment when neither they nor their offspring could venture outside and return home without risk.

He referred to an event where a representative from the Ghana High Commission passed away in Abuja following a theft occurrence.

Development of conflict between Nigeria and Ghana

During the period of British rule, both Nigeria and Ghana (known as the Gold Coast at the time) experienced substantial movement between their populations. Nigerians, especially those from the Hausa community, were included in military and commercial groups operating within Ghana.

After gaining independence, Ghana experienced an economic surge that drew Nigerian immigrants, particularly from the Yoruba community, who were looking for prospects in trade and government roles. This period embodied an unofficial Pan-African vision: a sense of unity without borders.

Nevertheless, in 1969, the Ghanian administration led by Prime Minister Kofi Abrefa Busia introduced the notorious Aliens Compliance Order. This regulation required all foreign nationals without proper documentation to depart from Ghana within a period of fourteen days.

The decision led to the removal of approximately 140,000 Nigerians, causing a serious diplomatic conflict. Ghana defended this step as essential for protecting employment opportunities and maintaining economic stability, although it created feelings of suspicion.

By 1983, circumstances had changed. Nigeria faced financial difficulties and increasing joblessness, leading to the expulsion of more than two million migrants, approximately one million of whom were from Ghana. This period became known as the “Ghana Must Go” era, named after the distinctive suitcases commonly carried by those who were sent back to Ghana.

Although Nigeria stated it was implementing immigration regulations, many viewed it as an act of vengeance for Ghana’s previous move.

Luckily, by the end of the 1980s, more reasonable approaches took over. Leaders such as Jerry Rawlings from Ghana and Ibrahim Babangida from Nigeria worked towards healing relations. A collaborative committee was set up, opening doors for improved commerce, cultural interactions, and resolving disputes. This initiative contributed to restoring political equilibrium and demonstrated a fresh dedication to ECOWAS ideals of open mobility.

However, migration challenges came back into focus during the 2020s. In Ghana, enterprises owned by Nigerians faced targeting during crackdown operations, leading to anger in Abuja. Nigeria blamed Ghana for being hostile towards foreigners, whereas Ghana maintained that they were following legal procedures. With rising nationalistic sentiments and economic protectionist ideas spreading worldwide, these trends influenced immigration regulations across West Africa.

In 2025, demonstrations arose in Ghana demanding stricter border regulations. Known as ‘Nigeria Must Go,’ this campaign echoed previous instances and caused new diplomatic worries. Although not backed by the government, the language used could threaten stability within the region.

Still no danger to our lives

Regarding the demonstration, a young Nigerian merchant from Kasoa village in Accra, Mr. Ezikpe Ukaku, stated to Weekend Trust that there was no direct danger for Nigerians engaged in lawful trade within Ghana.

“I learned about the demonstrations urging Nigerians to depart from Ghana, yet it appeared to have been organized by some individuals to promote a specific agenda, particularly following a 2013 video featuring Eze Ndigbo who claimed to purchase property for establishing an Igbo village,” he stated.

Regarding claims of criminal activity involving Nigerians, he mentioned worries over certain Nigerians involved in trafficking young women to Ghana for sex work, or using them as intermediaries to send them to Europe, where local women are also present.

“Only this month, the largest detention in Ghana was carried out by the U.S. FBI, targeting eight Ghanaians involved in online fraud directed at Americans,” he stated.

He cited the nation’s reliable power distribution and efficient law enforcement as reasons why numerous Nigerians remain in Ghana, even though the country faces significant price increases and challenging conditions.

Additionally, Chukwuemeka Nnaji, who previously served as president of the Nigerian Union of Traders Association, Ghana (NUTAG), stated that there are currently no dangers to their lives and assets.

We’re doing well. Not much is going on. Indeed, the demonstrations everyone saw took place on Sunday, and Sundays aren’t working days around here.

So, you can simply recognize that it’s merely individuals on social media attempting to generate some form of publicity. Nevertheless, as a group, we haven’t been targeted or had our companies harmed, nor have we faced direct attacks.

In the same way, Eddison Agbenyegah, who serves as Ghana’s Deputy Head of Mission in Nigeria, reassured Weekend Trust that there was nothing to worry about.

Nigerians may proceed with their everyday tasks. The demonstrators are merely individuals who have assembled for an online campaign.

“There is no risk for Nigerians in Ghana,” he stated.

Cause for alarm- FG

In the meantime, the federal government has urged tranquility regarding the demonstrations.

In a declaration made by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, President/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), citizens from Nigeria residing in Ghana were advised against getting agitated or engaging in hostilities with others, emphasizing that the matter is being addressed through diplomatic channels.

She stated that the widespread anger directed at Nigerians residing in Ghana and labeling them as lawbreakers must be denounced by everyone.

Nigerians are not lawbreakers. They serve as positive representatives in every place they go, whereas those who engage in wrongdoing should be identified and subjected to appropriate consequences.

“Ghana and Nigeria resemble Siamese twins. They are siblings, and in line with the principles of ECOWAS and regional unity, they should maintain peaceful coexistence as brothers,” she stated in a declaration authored by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the representative of NIDCOM.

Dabiri-Erewa further urged Nigerians to ignore the videos spreading about Nigerian businesses and properties being damaged by Ghanaians, stating, “There is no proof of this, and we should do everything possible to avoid retaliatory assaults.”

Likewise, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the government would address the matter through diplomatic means.

He stated, “We will handle them through diplomatic means.”

No space for bigotry – President of Ghana

From his side, President John Mahama of Ghana has emphasized the nation’s dedication to the rules of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), noting that there is no room for racism in Ghana.

Mahama revealed this during his meeting with President Bola Tinubu’s special representative, headed by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Presidential Palace in Accra, Ghana.

The President of Ghana reaffirmed his dedication to promoting ECOWAS agreements, particularly concerning the unrestricted movement of people and products within the area.

Mahama requested the ambassador to deliver his statement to President Tinubu, advising him not to worry about the latest demonstrations targeting Nigerians living in his nation.

He stated that Nigeria and Ghana are siblings with a common past, vowing that his administration would prevent anything from interfering between them.

He reiterated that the sharing of an old video created by a Nigerian living in Ghana more than 10 years back caused some unrest, yet he stated that the matter was quickly resolved.

He stated that the demonstrators did not exceed 50, reassuring the diplomat about the security and safeguarding of the lives, assets, and enterprises of Nigeria and Nigerians in Ghana.

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