The federal government’s reaction comes amid calls for clarity and calm
“We Are Not Criminals!” — FG Slams Anti-Nigerian Protest in Ghana, Urges Calm Amid Rising Tensions
The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned a recent protest by some Ghanaian citizens calling for the deportation of Nigerians from Ghana, describing the action as inflammatory and unjustified.
According to reports, hundreds of Ghanaians staged a demonstration accusing Nigerians of being responsible for a spike in criminal activities such as prostitution, ritual killings, kidnapping, and armed robbery. In viral footage of the protest, demonstrators held placards with provocative messages like “Armed robbery and violent attacks must stop,” “Our health at stake due to mass prostitution,” and “Our kids are getting missing because of Igbos.”
Responding to the development, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) released a statement on Tuesday through its Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun. The statement quoted NIDCOM Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, as calling for restraint and urging against generalizing criminal behavior.
“Nigerians are not criminals. They are good ambassadors wherever they find themselves while those bad ones should be fished out and face the necessary sanctions,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
She stressed the longstanding relationship between both nations, calling Ghana and Nigeria “Siamese twins” who must continue to foster peace under the principles of ECOWAS and regional cooperation.
In her appeal to Nigerians living in Ghana, Dabiri-Erewa urged them not to be provoked or resort to violence in response to the protests. She assured that the matter is being addressed diplomatically.
“Anyone using inciteful words should desist henceforth, both Nigerians and Ghanaians, as that is capable of escalating the matter,” she warned.
Addressing concerns about alleged attacks on Nigerian-owned properties in Ghana, Dabiri-Erewa stated: “There is no evidence to that and we must at all cost prevent any reprisal attacks.”
She commended both the Nigerian and Ghanaian High Commissions for working together to de-escalate tensions, and revealed that Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs has been in contact with Ghanaian authorities to take proactive steps in resolving the issue.
The federal government’s reaction comes amid calls for clarity and calm, with stakeholders urging both sides to avoid stoking further division between the two West African neighbors. Read More
