In response to viral social media content fueling concerns about anti-Nigerian protests in Ghana, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has reassured citizens that there is no imminent threat to Nigerians living in Ghana.
Speaking during a joint press conference with Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in Accra on Wednesday, Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized that the situation on ground remains peaceful, contrary to what was depicted in widely circulated videos online.
“We are here on a fact-finding mission on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following reports that raised concerns about the safety of Nigerian nationals in Ghana,” she said. “Since our arrival, we have not witnessed any protests, tire burnings, or demonstrations demanding the deportation of Nigerians. The situation is calm and under control.”
President Tinubu had dispatched the special envoy amid rising public anxiety triggered by alleged protests in Ghana calling for Nigerians to leave the country. Odumegwu-Ojukwu credited Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and his administration for taking swift steps to manage the issue effectively and prevent escalation.
She noted that the delegation had engaged stakeholders, including community leaders and Ghanaian officials, to de-escalate tensions and reaffirm the deep-rooted bilateral ties between the two West African nations.
“Nigeria and Ghana share a special historical bond. It is crucial that we protect this legacy by discouraging divisive rhetoric and misinformation, especially among our youth,” she stated. “We are committed to maintaining the peaceful coexistence of our citizens in both countries.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also called for the institutionalization of the Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission to foster deeper ties, especially at the citizen-to-citizen level.
Echoing her sentiments, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Hon. Ablakwa, confirmed that the government had met with leaders of the Nigerian community and assured them of their safety.
“We are committed to protecting every individual within our borders—citizen or non-citizen. However, we also expect everyone to be law-abiding and refrain from activities that can cause division,” Ablakwa said.
He clarified that the controversial viral videos did not accurately reflect the current atmosphere and disclosed that one of the Nigerians accused of attempting to establish a “kingdom” in Ghana had clarified that such an agenda never existed.
Referencing historical tensions between the two nations—specifically Ghana’s 1969 Aliens Compliance Order and Nigeria’s 1983 “Ghana Must Go” repatriation campaign—Ablakwa stressed the importance of handling such matters with sensitivity.
“We must not allow misinformation to reopen old wounds. Our countries are intertwined by history, heritage, and family. Let us respond with maturity and compassion,” he added.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu was accompanied by senior officials, including Amb. Regina Ocheni, Director of Africa Affairs; Amb. Innocent Iwejuo, Director, Office of the Minister of State; and Mr. Ajuluchukwu Eze, Special Assistant (Administration).
