Tensions are rising in Ghana as groups of protesters took to the streets this week, accusing Nigerians—particularly members of the Igbo ethnic group—of crimes including ritual killings, prostitution, and economic dominance.
A viral video showed large crowds holding placards with messages such as “Our kids are getting missing because of Igbos” and “Nigerians are kidnapping and using people for rituals.”
The protesters, gathered in parts of Accra, claimed Nigerians were exploiting the country’s legal loopholes to engage in illicit activities. One female protester stated, “Nigerians must go because you can’t be in someone’s country and be doing anyhow.” Others blamed Nigerians for dominating local markets and undermining Ghanaian laws.
“They even have an Igbo king in Ghana. They’ve hijacked our lands,” another man exclaimed. “It is just a matter of time; we will conquer them and take back our country.” Protesters also carried a photograph of a man reportedly killed by a Nigerian in Accra, though no official confirmation has been released.
The protest has stirred memories of the 1983 “Ghana Must Go” episode, when Nigeria expelled over two million undocumented West African immigrants—mostly Ghanaians—under President Shehu Shagari. At the time, Shagari had declared, “Illegal immigrants… should not be given any notice whatsoever.”
The 1983 expulsion became a symbol of West African hostilities, giving rise to the iconic checkered bag named “Ghana Must Go,” which represented the forced departure of Ghanaians from Nigeria. Some Ghanaians now see the current situation as history repeating itself in reverse.
As of press time, the Ghanaian government has not issued an official statement regarding the protests or indicated any steps to deport Nigerians. The situation remains tense as many await the government’s position on the matter.
Leave a comment