The Ghanaian government has cautioned against protests specifically targeting Nigerians residing in the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that the warning follows a weekend protest by local traders who called for the expulsion of Nigerians, accusing them of criminal activity and cultural disruptions.
Protesters, armed with placards, alleged that Nigerians were contributing to rising crime and social issues. The incident prompted diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
During a two-day official visit to Ghana, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, met with Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Ablakwa, to discuss concerns regarding the safety and well-being of Nigerians and their businesses.
At a joint press briefing, the Ghanaian government disclosed that the individual who led the protest had been reprimanded and issued a public apology. Officials stated that the man showed remorse and pledged not to make further inflammatory statements.
Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to community-level dialogue, highlighting the shared historical and cultural ties between both nations.
The Ghanaian Foreign Minister also clarified reports involving a Nigerian allegedly trying to establish a “kingdom” in Ghana, stating that there was no evidence of any territorial ambition.
Nevertheless, he expressed concern over rising criminal incidents involving Nigerians and urged Nigerian residents to fully comply with Ghanaian laws.
Both countries emphasised the need to strengthen diplomatic relations and promote peaceful coexistence. Odumegwu-Ojukwu confirmed that the atmosphere remained calm during her visit and called for fairness in residency policies, pointing out that Nigerians in Ghana face higher permit costs compared to Ghanaians in Nigeria.
She concluded that there was no immediate threat to Nigerians in Ghana and praised the efforts of both governments in managing the situation responsibly, while reaffirming ongoing stakeholder engagements to sustain harmony.
