A group of Ghanaian nationals has staged a public protest, expressing strong opposition to the continued presence of certain Nigerian individuals within the country, citing allegations of widespread prostitution and ritual killings.
In a video that circulated widely on Tuesday, a large number of demonstrators were seen holding placards bearing inscriptions such as: “Armed robbery and violent attacks must stop,” “Our health at stake due to mass prostitution,” “Who protects the rights and freedoms of Ghanaians?” “Nigerians are kidnapping and using people for rituals,” and “Our kids are going missing because of Igbos.”
The protesters also displayed an image purported to depict a Ghanaian man who was allegedly killed by a Nigerian national in the Accra region.
A woman identified in the video, estimated to be in her mid-30s, asserted that Nigerians should leave Ghana, attributing their presence to what she described as general disorder and disregard for local norms.
In a developing situation that has sparked regional concern, a group of Ghanaian citizens has staged protests demanding the expulsion of Nigerians residing in Ghana, citing alleged unlawful activities and disregard for local norms.
One protester, captured in a widely circulated video, stated emphatically: “Nigerians must go because you can’t be in someone’s country and be doing anyhow. Nigerians must go.” Another protester alleged that Nigerian nationals, particularly individuals of Igbo ethnicity, have gained control over key commercial spaces in Ghana and are purportedly engaging in activities that violate Ghanaian laws. He asserted: “These Igbo, they are in every part of the country and have targeted our markets. Not just Igbo, Nigerians are in almost every village, and our laws do not permit foreigners to engage in core economic dealings. They are perpetrating evil in our country. They even have an Igbo king in Ghana. They have hijacked our lands. It is just a matter of time; we will conquer them and take back our country.”
These developments have drawn comparisons to a historic incident in 1983, colloquially known as “Ghana Must Go,” when the Nigerian government under President Shehu Shagari issued an executive order mandating the expulsion of approximately two million undocumented immigrants, many of whom were Ghanaians. President Shagari was quoted as stating: “If they don’t leave, they should be arrested, tried, and sent back to their homes. Illegal immigrants, under normal circumstances, should not be given any notice whatsoever. If you break a law, then you have to pay for it.”
This policy led to the emergence of the now-iconic “Ghana Must Go” bag, which came to symbolize exclusion and regional xenophobia.
As of the time of this report, the Government of Ghana has not issued any formal statement addressing the protest, nor has it clarified its stance regarding the potential repatriation of Nigerian nationals, irrespective of their immigration or legal status.#newsafro_
