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A group of Ghanaians protested against Nigerians, accusing them of engaging in widespread prostitution and ritual killings in Ghana.
A viral video from yesterday showed a large crowd of protesters holding placards that read messages like “Armed robbery and violent attacks must cease,” “Our health is at risk due to mass prostitution,” and “Nigerians are kidnapping people for rituals.”
They also displayed a photograph of a Ghanaian allegedly murdered by a Nigerian in Accra.
In the video, a woman in her 30s expressed that Nigerians should leave due to their behavior, shouting, “Nigerians must go because you can’t behave inappropriately in another person’s country.” Another protester claimed that Nigerians had taken over key markets and were committing various crimes in Ghana.
In response, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), condemned the sweeping characterization of Nigerians as criminals, labeling it as unjust and perilous.
She emphasized that while some individuals may be involved in criminal activities, the majority of Nigerians in Ghana are law-abiding citizens who positively contribute to society.
Dabiri-Erewa remarked, “Nigerians are not criminals. They serve as good representatives wherever they are. The wrongdoers should be identified and faced with appropriate consequences.”
She likened Ghana and Nigeria to Siamese twins, advocating for continued peace and brotherhood under the spirit of ECOWAS and regional integration.
The NiDCOM chair urged Nigerians in Ghana to remain calm and avoid provocations or violence, as the matter is being addressed at the diplomatic level.
She advised against the use of inflammatory language from either Nigerians or Ghanaians, as it could heighten tensions. Furthermore, she encouraged Nigerians to disregard videos claiming that Ghanaians were destroying their shops and properties.
Dabiri-Erewa praised the efforts of the High Commissioners from both Ghana and Nigeria to manage the situation, and noted that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs has been in communication with Ghanaian authorities to take preventive actions.
