The streets of Accra, Ghana, were charged with tension and emotion as crowds of protesters marched in anger, chanting a striking phrase: “Nigeria Must Go.” What began as scattered voices online quickly evolved into full-blown street protests with placards accusing Nigerians of crimes ranging from fraud to ritual killings and prostitution. Videos circulating on social media showed Ghanaian youth calling for the mass exit of Nigerians from their country, blaming them for rising criminal activity and economic dominance.
While this protest may seem sudden to outsiders, it has been brewing for a while. Some protesters claimed Nigerians are taking over markets, dominating online scams, and even influencing traditional leadership structures. One protester dramatically exclaimed, “They even have an Igbo king in Ghana! This is a takeover!” The tone was unmistakable. For many Ghanaians at the protest, this wasn’t just about law enforcement , it was about identity, space, and power.
But the Nigerian government is not taking the accusations lightly. In a swift and firm response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement calling for calm and condemning the blanket labelling of Nigerians as criminals. According to the ministry's spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Nigerian government is closely monitoring the situation and will be engaging diplomatically with Ghanaian authorities to address the matter. He stressed that Nigerians, like any other nationals, deserve to live in peace and dignity wherever they reside.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, called for restraint on both sides. She acknowledged that while some individuals may have committed crimes, it is wrong to paint an entire nationality with one brush. “The majority of Nigerians living in Ghana are peaceful, hardworking, and contribute meaningfully to the Ghanaian economy,” she said. She urged Nigerians in Ghana to remain calm and not to retaliate.
For many Nigerians, this protest feels like history playing in reverse. In 1983, over two million undocumented West African migrants, most of them Ghanaians, were expelled from Nigeria in what became known as the “Ghana Must Go” saga. Now, four decades later, some Ghanaians are calling for a similar removal ,but this time, it is Nigerians on the receiving end. The phrase “Nigeria Must Go” has not just stirred old memories but reopened old wounds. And in today’s social media age, it is traveling faster than ever.
International observers and rights groups are beginning to raise concerns over the rising xenophobic tone in Ghana. They warn that stereotyping entire nationalities could quickly spiral into dangerous territory if not addressed properly. Already, some Nigerian-owned businesses in Ghana are reportedly facing intimidation, and there are fears the situation could escalate.
At the heart of all this is a complex relationship between two of West Africa’s biggest nations ,a relationship shaped by shared history, migration, rivalry, and regional politics. While disagreements and cultural tensions are not new, this public outcry and the heated accusations mark a low point that could affect diplomatic ties between both countries if not managed carefully.
For now, the Nigerian government has chosen dialogue over confrontation. Behind closed doors, meetings are reportedly ongoing between Nigerian diplomats and Ghanaian authorities. Both countries are also part of ECOWAS, a regional body that promotes free movement and cooperation. Many hope that ECOWAS will intervene if tensions rise further.
This incident serves as a reminder of how fragile relationships can be, especially when fueled by fear, misinformation, and unresolved grievances. While criminal acts by anyone should be dealt with by law, scapegoating an entire group is dangerous. In a region already battling economic hardship and youth unrest, the last thing needed is a fire of hatred between neighbors.
As the story continues to develop, Nigerians in Ghana are watching with uncertainty, while those at home reflect on a painful irony. In 1983, Ghanaians were forced to flee Nigeria with their belongings in woven bags that would later be nicknamed “Ghana Must Go.” Today, history is echoing back, and the question is: will we learn from the past or repeat it?
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