By John Umeh
In a move to quell rising tensions and reassure Nigerian nationals residing in Ghana, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, paid a diplomatic visit to Accra following recent protests calling for the expulsion of Nigerians from the West African country.
The unrest, which has gained attention on social media under the hashtag #NigeriansMustGo, has sparked concern among Nigerian communities and diplomatic stakeholders. Protesters in some Ghanaian cities accuse Nigerians of contributing to rising crime and economic challenges—a claim the Nigerian government has strongly refuted as baseless and inflammatory.
During her visit, Ambassador Ojukwu met with Ghanaian officials, members of the Nigerian High Commission, community leaders, and representatives of Nigerian residents. In a press briefing held at the Nigerian High Commission in Accra, she urged calm and emphasized that both nations have long enjoyed a deep-rooted relationship that transcends recent tensions.
“There is no cause for alarm,” Ojukwu stated. “Nigeria and Ghana are sister nations with intertwined histories and shared aspirations. We are working closely with the Ghanaian government to ensure the safety and dignity of every Nigerian living here.”
She further stressed the importance of diplomacy and mutual respect, warning against stereotyping and generalizing based on the actions of a few. Ojukwu also assured the Nigerian community that the government would not hesitate to take necessary measures to protect its citizens abroad.
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded positively to the visit, reaffirming its commitment to protecting all lawful residents, including Nigerians. Officials noted that while isolated incidents of crime involving foreign nationals do occur, the Ghanaian government remains firmly against xenophobia or targeted discrimination.
The Nigerian community in Ghana, which includes business owners, students, and professionals, welcomed Ojukwu’s visit as a timely intervention. Many described the recent atmosphere as tense but expressed hope that diplomatic dialogue would prevent further escalation.
Analysts say the flare-up reflects broader regional frustrations about migration, unemployment, and strained public services—not just in Ghana but across parts of West Africa. However, they believe strong bilateral ties and proactive diplomacy can avert a repeat of past cross-border disputes.
Ambassador Ojukwu concluded her visit by calling on both governments to enhance bilateral mechanisms that address such tensions before they escalate, and urged the media in both countries to report responsibly to avoid inflaming public sentiment.
As the situation continues to be monitored, the Nigerian government has advised its citizens in Ghana to remain law-abiding and report any incidents of harassment to the appropriate authorities.
