The government of Ghana has warned Nigerians-must-go protesters to desist from targeting citizens of its closest Anglophone neighbour nation living in their country.
The warning comes amid rising tensions after a weekend by local traders who demanded the expulsion of Nigerians, over claims of criminal activities and cultural clashes.
During a two-day visit to Ghana, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, met with Samuel Ablakwa, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, to address concerns about the safety of Nigerians and their businesses in the country.
At a joint press conference, the Ghana’s Foreign Minister said the arrowhead of the protest has been reprimanded, adding that he has also issued a public apology.
“As we have agreed, the video that went viral—we were all outraged. That video has been condemned by our counterparts from Nigeria,” Ablakwa said.
“They have reprimanded the gentleman, and he has been asked not to engage in such statements. As we do know, I had met him earlier. He was very contrite and apologised about everything.
“He has issued a public statement to the government and people of Ghana and based on his conduct; he has demonstrated good faith. And will not thread that part any longer.
“It is also important that we have agreed that we will deepen our community-to-community engagement. We have great anthropological antecedents which shows that we are one people.”
Ablakwa clarified that discussions with a Nigerian accused of attempting to establish a “kingdom” in Ghana revealed no territorial ambitions.
However, he expressed concern over a rise in crime involving Nigerians in Ghana and urged them to comply strictly with local laws.
Both ministers agreed on the importance of strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering peaceful coexistence between their peoples.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reassured that the situation remained calm since her arrival and urged both countries to maintain cordial relations, saying: “The message would be that there is no cause for alarm. The situation is being handled quite effectively. We will continue with our stakeholders’ engagements.”
“I came and saw that there were no tyres burning on the streets and people with placards everywhere urging Nigerians to be deported,” the Minister said.
“It speaks to how the government of President John Mahama was able to rise to the occasion.
“President Mahama and President Tinubu are like brothers. Of course, Nigerians were in a very festive mood during the inauguration ceremony of President Mahama.”
However, she highlighted the disparity in residency permit fees between both countries, noting that Nigerians in Ghana face higher costs compared to Ghanaians in Nigeria, and called for a fairer balance.
