The Nigerian government has launched diplomatic discussions with Ghanaian authorities following recent anti-Nigerian protests in Accra, where demonstrators called for the expulsion of Nigerians over alleged criminal activities.
Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, urged restraint and condemned what she described as the dangerous and misleading branding of all Nigerians in Ghana as criminals.
In a statement released Tuesday by NIDCOM’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa warned against the spread of xenophobic narratives. She emphasized the strong historical and regional ties between Nigeria and Ghana, likening the nations to “Siamese twins” that must remain united in peace under the ideals of ECOWAS.
“Nigerians are not criminals. They are generally good ambassadors wherever they are. Those who break the law should face justice, but it is wrong to generalize and criminalize an entire nationality,” she said.
She also appealed to Nigerians living in Ghana not to retaliate or act on provocation, assuring that the Nigerian government is handling the matter diplomatically. She noted that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, is already engaging with Ghanaian authorities to address the rising tensions.
Responding to unverified claims circulating on social media about the destruction of Nigerian-owned shops and properties in Ghana, Dabiri-Erewa stated there is no concrete evidence to support such reports and urged people to avoid spreading misinformation that could incite violence.
The NIDCOM boss also cautioned against the use of inflammatory language by citizens of both countries, stressing that such rhetoric only worsens tensions and hinders peaceful resolution.
Dabiri-Erewa commended both the Nigerian and Ghanaian High Commissions for their swift response and proactive engagement to defuse the situation.
Rising Anti-Nigerian Sentiment in Ghana
Tensions escalated after a viral video emerged over the weekend showing large crowds of Ghanaians protesting at Obra Spot in Accra. The demonstrators carried placards with slogans such as “Nigerians Must Go,” “End Prostitution,” “End Kidnapping,” “End Fraud,” and “End Ritual Murders.”
Protesters accused Nigerians of contributing to rising crime and social unrest in Ghana, with some alleging links to kidnapping and ritual killings. One demonstrator even referenced a recent robbery incident in Abuja that claimed the life of a Ghanaian official, suggesting the need for tighter scrutiny on Nigerians residing in Ghana.
Another protester warned that if left unaddressed, insecurity fueled by foreigners could soon make ordinary movement within the country unsafe for Ghanaians and their families.
While the protest has drawn criticism from human rights advocates and cross-border community leaders, it has also sparked renewed fears of xenophobia and a potential diplomatic rift between the two West African nations.
The Nigerian government says it is committed to resolving the situation through diplomatic engagement and has called for calm, vigilance, and continued dialogue between citizens and officials of both countries.
