Ghanaians Stage ‘Nigerians Must Go’ Protests Over Crime Allegations
Tension rose in parts of Ghana on Tuesday as protesters stormed the streets, demanding the expulsion of Nigerians over allegations of rising crimes, including prostitution, ritual killings, and economic dominance.
Videos circulating on social media showed demonstrators carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Nigerians are kidnapping and using people for rituals” and “Our health at stake due to mass prostitution.”
Some protesters also accused Nigerians of dominating local markets and land ownership, with one saying, “They even have an Igbo king in Ghana. They have hijacked our lands. It is just a matter of time; we will conquer them and take over our country.”
Another woman in a protest video said, “Nigerians must go because you can’t be in someone’s country and be doing anyhow. Nigerians must go.”
The demonstrators also displayed the image of a man they alleged was killed by a Nigerian in Accra, though no independent confirmation has been made.
As of press time, the Ghanaian government had not issued an official statement on the protests or the status of Nigerians living in the country.
The development has raised concerns about a possible diplomatic rift between both countries. Observers recalled how in 1983, then-President Shehu Shagari expelled nearly two million undocumented immigrants—mostly Ghanaians—an episode that birthed the term “Ghana Must Go.”
Tuesday’s protest is one of the most public expressions of resentment against Nigerian immigrants in Ghana in recent years.
No Nigerian government official had reacted to the development at the time of filing this report.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
