Amid concerns sparked by viral social media footage alleging targeted protests against Nigerians in Ghana, the Federal Government of Nigeria has debunked the claims, assuring the public that no such hostilities exist.
This reassurance followed a diplomatic visit to Accra, led by Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The high-level fact-finding mission aimed to verify the truth behind the circulating videos and address growing public concern across West Africa.
No Hostility, No Protests – FG Confirms
Speaking at a joint press conference with Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated emphatically that there was no evidence of hostility against Nigerian citizens living in Ghana.
“The situation on ground is calm and peaceful. We interacted with Nigerian residents and community leaders here in Ghana, and there’s no cause for alarm,” she said.
She also praised the Ghanaian government for its consistent efforts in maintaining a peaceful environment for immigrants, particularly Nigerians. Odumegwu-Ojukwu extended special commendation to President John Dramani Mahama for his leadership in fostering regional peace and diplomacy.
Minister Ablakwa also addressed the issue directly, warning against the spreading of unverified and misleading narratives online. He stressed that Ghana remains committed to protecting the rights of all law-abiding residents, irrespective of nationality.
“We must be cautious about the kind of information we consume and share. The recent videos making the rounds are misleading and have the potential to unnecessarily damage the historical and cultural ties between our nations,” Ablakwa stated.
He affirmed that Ghana’s security architecture remains alert and inclusive, ensuring equal protection under the law for both citizens and foreigners.
Renewed Call for Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission
Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu used the occasion to advocate for the reactivation of the Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission, a bilateral platform aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between both nations.
“Such mechanisms are essential to deepen mutual understanding and prevent unnecessary tensions or misinformation from escalating,” she remarked.
Both foreign ministers used the opportunity to reflect on the historical ups and downs of Nigeria-Ghana relations. They recalled past incidents such as the “Ghana Must Go” saga of 1983; when thousands of undocumented West African migrants were expelled from Nigeria as a cautionary example of how misunderstandings and political tensions can disrupt unity.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Ablakwa agreed that Africa must learn from its shared history and build on common interests for regional growth, peace, and integration.
Closed-Door Meetings with Stakeholders
Beyond the press conference, the Nigerian delegation held closed-door consultations with:
- Ghana-based Nigerian community leaders
- Diplomats and consular officials
- Security operatives and civil society groups
These meetings provided further assurance that the diplomatic and social climate for Nigerians in Ghana remains stable and conducive.
Why This Matters
The reassurance comes at a crucial time when false social media narratives can quickly escalate into diplomatic crises, especially in a region where borders are porous and economic migration is common.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence, economic collaboration, and Pan-African unity, rejecting xenophobia or any divisive agenda.
