Tension is brewing in Ghana as scores of citizens took to the streets in protest against the presence of Nigerians in the country, accusing them of being behind rising incidents of prostitution, ritual killings, and other crimes.
In a viral video shared on Tuesday, the protesters — including women and youths — marched through parts of Accra, holding placards with messages such as “Armed robbery and violent attacks must stop,” “Our kids are getting missing because of Igbos,” and “Nigerians are kidnapping and using people for rituals.”
One of the demonstrators, a woman believed to be in her 30s, was seen shouting, “Nigerians must go because you can’t be in someone’s country and be doing anyhow.”
Another protester alleged that Nigerians, particularly the Igbo ethnic group, had infiltrated Ghanaian markets, taken over local businesses, and even installed a traditional Igbo ruler in Ghana. “They are in almost every village. Our laws don’t permit foreigners to run such dealings. It’s just a matter of time; we will take back our country,” he said.
The protests were also sparked by the alleged killing of a Ghanaian man by a Nigerian, whose image the protesters displayed as part of their campaign.
While the sentiments expressed by the demonstrators have ignited strong reactions online, many observers have condemned the generalizations and ethnically charged rhetoric, warning against xenophobia and incitement.
This development has drawn parallels with the 1983 “Ghana Must Go” episode when Nigeria’s then-President Shehu Shagari ordered the expulsion of about two million undocumented West African immigrants — mostly Ghanaians — accusing them of economic sabotage.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ghanaian government has not officially responded to the protests or clarified any plans regarding the status of Nigerians living in the country.
